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The objective of this work is to capture the final deformed shape of a vehicle after a rollover caused by a corkscrew event (ramp). With this study, it will be possible to understand the vehicle structural behavior during this event and be able to improve the vehicle safety in this specific condition. For this proposal, it will be presented a virtual methodology using available commercial CAE tools and perform a crashworthiness analysis of the desired event. The first step is to capture the dynamic event through a Multibody analysis that represents the interaction among the vehicle tire, suspension components (Springs, Dampers, Jounce Bumper, Bushings, Stabilizer Bar etc.), vehicle structural stiffness, mass, center of gravity and inertias when exposed to a corkscrew standard ramp, that initiates the rollover event. This methodology will represent with fidelity all dynamic aspects of rollover event before the vehicle touches the ground.

The trailer hitch is an accessory which has been widely applied to vehicles as a protection device for low speed rear impact, aiming the integrity of the rear fascia. Its installation is commonly made at accessories shops without the orientation of the OEM’s and its project normally does not pursue the integration with vehicle structure. Using Finite Element Method, this work has as objective to study the influence of the trailer hitch in the body structure of small hatchback passenger vehicle during rear impact.