Determine Member Strength of Automotive Steel Components Considering Local Buckling Effects

The impact of local buckling on the behavior and strength of automotive components is discussed. Post-buckling strength must be included in the ultimate member strength calculations using the effective width concept. Member strength at the first onset of local buckling must be evaluated to avoid costly repairs. Local buckling changes the force deflection curve to be nonlinear after the first onset of local buckling. Methods for the calculations are discussed and presented. A computer program AISI/CARS, Computerized Applications and Reference System, is used to analyze a front rail to illustrate the benefit of considering local buckling in the design process.