The Optimization of Open COWL Structure to Give Free Shape to the Design of a Pillar Outer Panel Front

At present, the assembling order of COWL is decided according to the design of the Vehicle’s A pillar outer. Therefore when the factory layout changes, extensive costs are needed according to the changes of the A pillar outer design. Thus, this study was carried out to develop a new COWL structure that is able to determine the layout of the factory without changing the design of the A pillar outer. In addition, by adjusting the DFSS tool to COWL, the direction of the material and thickness of COWL was studied to optimize the dynamic stiffness of the body structure and pedestrian protection performance. Based on this study, the optimization of the OPEN COWL is presented.