Abstract
This paper presents finite element analysis (FEA) of simplified automotive structures using beam-like elements. The concept is to perform FEA quickly or at early product development stage in order to guide the design process. Two types of finite element models are studied: (1) simplified models which use beam elements to model beam-like components and use other elements for the rest of the vehicle parts such as joints, engines and roofs; and (2) thin-walled beam models which purely use thin-walled beam elements. The static stiffness, modal and crash analyses are conducted and the correlation of the results with those from conventional methods are provided. (A)