Structural Design Optimization of the Body Section Using the Finite Element Method

The C.G. of the bus is usually higher than other vehicles. When rollover accidents happen, because of the capacity of the passengers, the casualty is severe. The stiffness of the structure is the first thing that needs to be considered. This paper investigates an the efficient and robust analysis method to design the bus structure. The purpose is to reduce occupant injury in rollover.

First, a CAE model is built and validated against test data. Next, the sensitivity and optimization analysis methodology is used. It consists of studying the relationship between the lowest shear mode and the weight of the bus to obtain the design concept of the bus structure. Finally, the optimized parameters are used to build a new structure, test it, and ensure that it meets the ECE Regulation 66.