Macro Element Fast Crash Analysis of 3D Space Frame

The paper discusses recent developments in the macro element methodology. Newly developed macro elements: tapered super beam, thin-walled super joint, and deformable barrier allow for simulation of the crash response of space frames in arbitrary crash configurations. The paper discusses underlying modeling concept and calculation methodology used in the development of new macro elements and demonstrates its effectiveness in the calculation/design process. A number of crash simulation examples are given which illustrates the accuracy of the macro element method in comparison to time consuming FE calculations.