Illustrations of Automotive Finite Element Models - Dynamics

This paper illustrates the use of finite element methods for modeling automotive structures for their dynamic characteristics. Several illustrations are given, with the results being compared to test data.

One example, the modeling of a vehicle for its dynamic beaming and torsion characteristics, is discussed in sufficient detail to illustrate the steps and resources required for such an analysis. Data preparation, typical finite element models, outline of the analysis, and the display of the data in a movie form are covered. The emphasis here is on the modeling process and test correlation and not on the theoretical aspects. The vehicle used for the illustration is not dressed to a curb weight condition, but for the purpose of this paper does illustrate the modeling process.