The design optimisation of vehicle structures for improved crashworthiness is very much a trial and error process. A method of structural optimisation is described which is a more formal and systematic approach to design improvement. The method is implemented into an existing optimisation program and is used to improve the response of structural components within a vehicle by changing their shape. A sensitivity analysis based on the elastic buckling response of a structural component drives shape changes in the optimisation process. The program is applied to improving the crashworthiness of a box section member. The optimised component shows a substantial increase of the initial collapse load and energy absorbing capacity. Results from dynamic simulations confirm this.
Abstract