Search Results

Build variation is an important aspect of vehicle assembly. However traditional variation analysis assumes parts are rigid, leading to overestimation of variations. A finite element analysis procedure to estimate the build variation due to variations of shape, size and mechanical properties of flexible parts is presented. In addition to the part deformation, assembly force and stress can also be calculated by this method. This procedure is illustrated with an example problem.

Two finite element methodologies for simulating oil-canning tests on closure assemblies are presented. Reflecting the experimental conditions, the simulation methodologies assume load-controlled situations. One methodology uses an implicit finite-element code, namely ABAQUS®, and the other uses an explicit code, LS-DYNA®. It is shown that load-displacement behavior predicted by both the implicit and explicit codes agree well with experimental observations of oil-canning in a hood assembly. The small residual dent depth predictions are in line with experimental observations. The method using the implicit code, however, yields lower residual dent depth than that using the explicit code. Because the absolute values of the residual dent depths are small in the cases examined, more work is needed, using examples involving larger residual dent depth, to clearly distinguish between the two procedures.