Application of Load Path Index U* for Evaluation of Sheet Steel Joint with Spot Welds

2012-01-0534

04/16/2012

Event
SAE 2012 World Congress & Exhibition
Authors Abstract
Content
An attempt was made to apply the index U* in detail analysis of load paths in structural joints under static load, using as examples coupling structures of two joined frames with hat-shaped sections, and T-beam joint structures each including spot welds, both of which are widely used in automotive body structures. U* is a load path analysis index that expresses the strength of connection between load points and arbitrary points on a structure. It was possible to identify areas making up load paths by means of the magnitude of U* values, and to clarify the areas that should be coupled in order to achieve effective load transfer to contiguous members. In addition, because it is possible to determine whether or not each section of a structure possesses the potential for load transfer using U* analysis, the research also demonstrated that U* could be used as an indicator of joint structures providing efficient load transfer.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-0534
Pages
12
Citation
Naito, T., Kobayashi, H., and Urushiyama, Y., "Application of Load Path Index U* for Evaluation of Sheet Steel Joint with Spot Welds," SAE Technical Paper 2012-01-0534, 2012, https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-0534.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Apr 16, 2012
Product Code
2012-01-0534
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English