Dent Simulation of Automotive Outer Panel Using High Strength Steel Sheets

In this study, an FEM simulation method was investigated in order to predict the dent resistance and stiffness performance of automotive exterior body panels. The method was based on the combination of a forming simulation and a static dent simulation. The dent simulation was carried out with material models taking forming effects, such as work hardening and thickness variation into account. The modeling method of material properties with the forming effects was discussed to improve the prediction accuracy. For the validation of the accuracy, forming and denting tests were carried out for a door model panel using mild steels or high strength steels. The results of the dent simulations showed good agreement with the experimental results.