When it comes to the design of multi-functional automotive interior floors, engineers face the challenging conflict between a dynamically-soft, NVH performing treatment, and a statically-stiff construction, which increases the perception of solidity. Nowadays, the former requirement is well-specified and advanced CAE tools exist to support performance prediction and engineering of the construction. On the contrary, neither well-established requirements specify the compressional performance, nor defined CAE processes are available to support the engineer in its prediction.
In this context, the aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, insightful conclusions about the compression behavior of typical interior floor materials are drawn by means of tests carried out both at sample- and part-level. Such an analysis allows highlighting a clear direction towards meaningful assessment of the mechanical characteristics of the floor. Secondly, the paper focuses on how CAE tools can support part-level engineering in dealing with the dynamic vs static-stiffness compromise. Specifically, simulation results show that non-linear finite element simulations can support an accurate assessment of the floor deflection during compression, and yet they can be exploited in combination with well-established tools for NVH assessment.