Computer Aided Structural Optimization of Automotive Body Structure

Industry wide mass reduction strategies are becoming increasingly important in order to meet future CAFE standards. In an effort to minimize the body structure sheet metal mass of Cadillac/Luxury Car Division's ‘G’ based architecture, a structural optimization task was undertaken using state-of-the-art computer aided optimization techniques. These techniques included the use of detailed finite element models, mode tracking capabilities, and satisfying simultaneously multiple static and dynamic targets that the vehicle has to meet. This was accomplished using GENESIS, a fully integrated structural analysis and optimization finite element software package.