This paper firstly describes how the finite element models of the Ford BA Falcon and the Subaru Legacy were combined so that a parametric study varying design features of each vehicle could be conducted to determine their effect on compatibility. The Ford Falcon is a front engine, longitudinal 6-cylinder, rear wheel drive sedan. The Subaru Legacy is a front engine, horizontally opposed, all wheel drive sedan. The two vehicles are not in the same mass and size category. The paper then reports on how the compatibility of the two vehicles, in an offset frontal crash, is affected when the following design features are changed: ride height; stiffness of main longitudinals; stiffness of upper load path; stiffness of lower subframe; stiffness of passenger compartment; strength of vertical connections between load paths; strength of lateral connections between load paths; and changes to improve the structural interaction between the two vehicles. For the covering abstract see ITRD E825082.
Samenvatting