Numerical Modeling of Rear Subframe Under Different Loading Conditions

In this paper, finite element methods are used to analyze the rear subframe for Chevrolet Malibu. Plasticity based material model along with dynamic and static analysis is used. Commercial software LS-DYNA is used to model the subframe. Half model for the subframe is used with the corresponding boundary conditions for our simulations. A material model based on power law is used to account for the material behavior in all simulations. Different loading conditions are used to analyze the subframe under normal driving conditions while the crash results are used to analyze the subframe under vehicle crash. This data is used to compare the performance and safety of the original stock car. A parametric study is also conducted to analyze the effect of material response by changing the material hardening properties. Results show that 1018 mild steel is the most suitable material under crash and normal loading conditions.