Development of Prediction Technology about the Panel Stiffness of Door Parts

Abstract

The panel stiffness of door parts has been evaluated sensuously by hand-pushing. In this study, it is succeeded to evaluate and to predict the panel stiffness quantitatively by optimizing the indenter condition. Especially, it is the most important that the indenter size is adjusted to the examiner’s palm. By applying the indenter condition, the experimental results are reproduced in the finite element analysis. Accordingly, door parts could be designed more easily in consideration of panel stiffness without the trial manufacturing. Finally, it is expected that weight saving examination could be possible in the early stages of automotive development.