Micromechanics Modeling of Automotive Instrument Panels

The tensile modulus, fiber orientation distribution and fiber orientation angle in selected regions of an automotive upper instrument panel (IP) were examined for correlation with predicted modulus. A first molding trial of the IP was compared to the results of a second trial which incorporated several engineering changes. As expected, the fiber orientation varied within the panel as well as between molding trials. A micromechanics model was utilized to predict modulus as a function of the measured fiber orientation. These predictions were compared with experimental values for each region and molding trial. Excellent agreement between predicted and measured values was observed.