Analysis of torsional and bending stiffness of a sedan vehicle using simplified Finite element model

Simplified models of vehicle body are suitable tools for optimization of main structures of a vehicle in the early phase of design. In this paper, a simplified finite element model for a sedan vehicle is provided. In this model, main load-carrying members such as pillars, rails, rockers and Main floor members with equivalent one dimension beam and panels with coarsening element are replaced. In order to validate the static accuracy of the provided model, the torsional and bending stiffness for Full Finite element model of the vehicle and simplified finite element model are calculated. The result is shown that the simplified model for calculating a torsional and bending stiffness are highly accurate The strong influence of B-pillar on the strength of the structure is obvious in the strain energy, torsional and bending tests. In these tests, after removing the B-Pillar bending and torsional stiffness decrease by 44% and 15%, respectively.