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Technical Paper

Strength Improvements to Automotive Roof Components

1998-02-23
980209
Experimental results from three point bending and axial compression tests of common automotive roof elements are presented. Modifications of these components were also tested to evaluate the effect of structural reinforcements and void filling. Under three-point bending, an open hat section side header (or side rail) was tested and failed in a manner consistent with observed failures in real world accidents. Modifying the hat section to create a closed section increased load capacity and energy absorption, and demonstrated some gains in strength to weight performance. Two epoxy compounds in a similar closed section configuration resulted in substantial increases in peak load, energy absorption and strength-to-weight ratio. In the axial compression tests, a open “c” section front header were tested in axial compression and failed just past a sheet metal reinforcement consistent with observed failures in real world accidents.
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