Application of the Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM) to Complex Automotive Structural Components

An enhanced version of a BIEM computer code was evaluated and applied to analyses of automotive structural components. The code was improved to provide a check on the geometry of individual segments, allow double precision calculations and include such “user friendly features” as simplified I/O, calculation of principal and von Mises stresses, and a check on the accuracy of solution. Construction of BIE models was facilitiated by developing an interface with IMAGE (Chevrolet Engineering’s interactive graphics program). Stress output data was made more manageable by utilizing the MOVIE. BYU graphics package to allow presentation of stress contours. Most importantly, spill logic was used to add an out-of-core solution capability and thus allow treatment of complex models. In addition to discussion of numerical results relating to questions of transition elements, aspect ratios, CPU time and accuracy, the paper presents analysis of a bearing cap based on a 713 node model and a refined 948 node model.