Study of Topography Optimization on Automotive Body Structure

A methodology to improve the structural performance of an automotive body structure by large scale Topography Optimization is presented. Topography, an established technology, is a special class of shape optimization, which can be used to change sheet metal shapes. The paper will highlight the advantages of Topography optimization – easy optimization setup, large number of design variables, identification of sheet metal shape morphing locations, and a mass neutral or mass efficient solution. A case study on the application of Topography on the full Body Structure is illustrated.