Dynamical Simulation and Structural Analysis of Light Vehicles Chassis

The present paper shows some of the results obtained for service simulation and structural analysis of a small size vehicle with tubular structure. The results are presented after the successful use of the presented methodology in a practical case. All simulations in time domain were carried out by computer programs, which used terrain profiles compatible to the purpose of the vehicle. The dynamic loads obtained were applied to finite element models, allowing the evaluation of nominal stress concentration factors, necessary for reability evaluation. The proposed methodology showed to be quite effective, allow the evaluation of security factors in critical points and can be easily extended to general automotive structural elements.