A Study on the Robust Crash Performance Structure of Continuous Fiber Thermoplastic Composite Cowl Crossbar

Recently, keen interest has been focused on the reduction of fuel consumption through the development of eco-friendly and weight-effective vehicles. This is due in part to the strengthening of regulatory standards for fuel efficiency in each country. This study will focus on the optimization of the IP (Instrument Panel) module, in particular, the cowl crossbar, which in some vehicles, can account for more than 33% of the IP module weight. The design objectives of the cowl crossbar were to use continuous fiber thermoplastic composite materials to achieve high stiffness, while optimizing the strength to weight performance as evaluated through vehicle sled and crash testing. This research will introduce the development and optimization methodology for an alternative material, which achieved about a 30% weight reduction as compared to steel.