Design of vehicle parts under impact loading using a multi-objective design approach

Abstract

In this study, a multi-objective design approach with accelerated methodology was developed for a B-pillar (side door pillar) in which the intrusion velocity was decreased and the crash energy absorbed. The B-pillar material characteristics were determined using a drop tower test to accelerate the design process instead of a vehicle crash test. A finite element simulation of the drop tower test was conducted, and the results obtained from the simulation were confirmed with the test results. The side impact finite element model was simulated according to the Euro NCAP test protocol, and the B-pillar was divided into two sections using the results obtained from the analysis. Tailor rolled blank and Tailor welded blank B-pillar crash simulations were performed, and the results were compared to examine the intrusion velocity. Alternative design solutions for single and multi-material B-pillars were conducted to design an optimum B-pillar structure. The design functions were created using the radial basis function method, and the failure criteria were determined for the analyses. Optimization problems for weight minimization and maximum energy absorption were established and solved using meta-heuristic methods. The approach suggested in this study can be used in accelerated B-pillar designs.