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The design of occupant restraint systems in the automotive industry has shifted from an empirical approach to a computer aided analysis approach for many years now. Various finite element software programs have been applied in crash safety analysis, and multi-body dynamics codes have been successfully used where quick system response times were required. Most new vehicle programs are analyzed by the use of finite element tools that were used for previous program projects. Software that has specific occupant protection features may be coupled with these finite element tools, or new vehicle programs may be developed from scratch by using one tool that does all, i.e. a tool where the multi-body dynamics are integrated into the finite element method. Both these approaches will be elaborated as valid tools for occupant protection analysis. At first, the coupling between the finite element crash program LS-DYNA and the F.E.

An assessment of stamped part quality and launch readiness occurs at many intervals. This paper will focus on dimensional control activities that take place after Stamping Dies are constructed, but prior to producing the stamped parts. Die certification and die repeatability measurements have been performed at DaimlerChrysler and the results are documented. This die certification process provides an opportunity to uncover and resolve die machining issues with respect to the part math model or pre-engineered compensation model prior to producing parts. Additionally, the die repeatability process is performed to determine the ability of the die gaging to locate the incoming in-process material consistently. This paper will explain the die certification and die repeatability processes and share what we have learned. It will describe the processes, the tools, the participants, the sites, the benefits, and the measurement equipment.

Traditionally, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel is used for automotive vehicle weight reduction in the North American automotive industry. Dual phase (DP) high strength steel has gained great attention because it provides a combination of high strength and good formability. The main advantage of DP steel is the high ratio of tensile strength to yield strength, which provides more flexibility in stamping and higher energy absorption in a component crush event. This study compares the performances of DP and HSLA steel grades in stamping processes and component crush events, as shown in a typical automotive unibody inner rail. Simulation results show that DP steel offers more uniform strain distribution, improved formability, and better crush performance than conventional HSLA steel.

The springback behavior might be different due to different gap clearances between die and punch. A study using FEA simulation is done to investigate the die gap effect. A 3D brick element and an explicit-implicit method are employed to investigate a few simple problems. A draw form, a crash form with an upper pad and a flange form are investigated separately. Numisheet’93 2D draw bending springback problem is also investigated using an explicit dynamic code. Comparisons between springback simulation results on several different die gaps are illustrated. The Kirchhoff assumption of C° shell element and the Mindlin/Love assumption of thin shell element are also examined on different cases. A case study then is performed on a rail type panel. Conclusions and recommendations for future studies are summarized.

Sheet metal stamping involves a system of complex tribological (friction, lubrication, and wear), heat transfer, and material strain interactions. Accurate coefficient of friction, strain, and lubrication regime data is required to allow proper modeling of the various sheet stamping processes. In addition, non-intrusive means of monitoring the coefficient of friction in production stamping operations would be of assistance for efficiently maintaining proper stamping quality and to indicate when adjustments to the various stamping parameters, including maintenance, would be advantageous. One of the key sub-systems of the sheet metal stamping process is the draw bead. This paper presents an investigation of the tribology of the draw bead using a Draw Bead Simulator (DBS) Machine and automotive zinc-coated sheet steels. The investigation and findings include: 1) A new, non-intrusive method of measuring the surface temperature of the sheet steel as it passes through the draw bead.

Managing regulatory content is a complex process for any industry, but particularly for the automotive industry, which is heavily regulated. Several approaches for managing content are discussed along with implications for the industry. The response of an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to the recent European Parliament End-of-Life Vehicle Directive (EU 2000/53/EC-ELVs)1 is discussed from a North American perspective as well as trickle down expectations for the automotive supply base. Design, sourcing and labeling issues associated with the ELV directive as well as domestic regulations are discussed.

The effect of forming strains on the fatigue behavior of an automotive mild steel, interstitial free steel, was studied after being prestrained by balanced biaxial stretch and plane strain. In the long life region, higher than 5×105 reversals, prestrain improves fatigue resistance. In the short life region, prestrain reduces fatigue resistance. At even shorter fatigue lives, the detrimental effect of prestrain diminishes. For plane strains, the fatigue behavior is anisotropic. In the direction perpendicular to the major strain, the steel exhibits much better fatigue resistance than in the direction parallel to the major strain.

DKAD is an automated analysis tool for evaluating dynamic characteristics of accessory drives. Rotation response analysis predicts natural frequencies and effects of crankshaft excitation. Lateral response of each belt span shows the effect of pulley run-out and parametric excitation. DKAD systematically allows a user to define a design and its operating conditions and then performs a sequence of analysis to visualize the rotational and lateral responses. It also allows a user to quickly explore and assess alternative designs. Belt layout and associated parameters can be saved in templates for future reference.

This paper will provide an overview of the need, requirements, and constraints governing the development and application of polymer composites in automotive body components. It will discuss the efforts underway to lead and support the technology developments required for the cost-effective application of these new materials in mass-produced vehicles. The requirements and constraints of customer-driven, mass-produced, energy-efficient vehicles with uncompromised cost, capacity and performance, drive careful consideration of an injection-molded thermoplastic approach to a composite automotive body. Recent progress with this approach will be reported and some next steps examined.