Effect of Beam Layout and Specification on Side Door Strength of Passenger Cars: An Experimental Approach to Analyze Its Effect and Contribution to Door Strength.

Risk of injury to occupant in the event of side impact is considerably higher compared to frontal or rear impact as the energy absorbing zones at the front and rear of vehicle is high whereas limited space is available to dissipate the impact energy in the event of side impact. In such scenario strength of side door plays an important role in protecting the occupant. Side door beam in door structure contributes significantly towards the lateral stiffness and plays dominant role in limiting the structural intrusion into passenger compartment. Hence it is interesting to understand the effect of beam specification and orientation on side door strength. Since these factors not only affect the strength but also the cost and weight targets, their study and analysis is important with respect to door design

This paper showcases the effect of beam layout and its specifications on the overall strength of the door with an experimental approach using physical test. Beams with different specification and orientation were tested and based upon the test results; a co-relation is built with Side door intrusion test as per IS 12009