A Few Aspects on the Development of Structural Models

The finite element method is a useful tool for analyzing vehicle and chassis components even if no large computer or interactive communications are available. This paper shows how, in a relatively short period, we created structural models, did the actual finite element-calculations, and made the final evaluation of the results. The contribution contains a description of the Finite Element System as used by Adam Opel AG, and added to that some worked examples from the bodyshell and chassis field with mention of solved and unsolved problems.