Abstract
It is well-known that robust design approach is effective to reduce variations of impact crash criteria such as occupation space and acceleration. However, it is difficult to apply robust design approach to crash simulations using FEM because large amount of simulations and computer resource are required. In this paper, a Variable Complexity Modeling concept is introduced into side impact crash simulations using FE model. The robust design is conducted by using Taguchi approach with VCM model, where an automatic analysis and post processing system is integrated by iSIGHT with LS-DYNA and in-hours programs. In this study, 27 kinds of plate thickness are treated as design variables, and the crash angle and position in both of front-rear direction and height of MDB are treated as random variables. As a result of this work, occupation space are 25% increased and those variances are 20% reduced to robust, even though mass is increased 0.5% compare with original design in limited computer resource.
