A Method of Primitive Structural Design by Stick Model

There are many analytic models of vehicle body structure, in particular the FEM model is most generally used. However, it is not able to be an adequate method of analysis in the stage of concept design.

The authors have progressed consecutive researches improving the accuracy of the method for the primitive design of vehicle body structure.

In this paper the methodology is described which gives technical data in the early stage of a development of a new car by examination of strength, and stiffness. And the weight estimation of a car is also presented through the Improved Stick Model the authors proposed. The good results of two models presented in this study are obtained.