Development of Theoretical Prediction Method Using Ustar (U^*) for Stiffening Effect of Structures and Application to Determination of Stiffener Location for Passenger Car Bodies under Rapid Steering

Abstract

The relation between the stiffness increase of a structure and the Ustar (U*) value of stiffener location was theoretically formulated. In the formula, U^* from the loading point (U^*_A) is not included, although the effect of U^* from the support point (U^*_B) is dominant. As an example, the stiffness increase ratios of passenger car bodies caused by stiffeners at the strut tower top for the lateral force were quantitatively predicted using the obtained formula. The predicted values using U^* corresponded well with the stiffness increase obtained from a FEM computer simulation model of an actual sedan body.