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| Simulation and improvement of a light truck in A-pillar impact |
| 1.School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, China; 2.Nanjing Iveco Automobile Co. Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 210028, China |
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Abstract To improve the crashworthiness of light truck, the finite element model of a light truck was established. Cab modal analysis and vehicle 100% frontal collision simulations were carried out. The test and simulation results were compared to verify the finite element model. According to ECE R29-03 standard, the simulation methods of A-pillar impact test were proposed for a light truck with gross mass less than 7 500 kg. According to the simulation results, the cab was crushed, and the A-pillar and the rear wall were severely deformed. The non-resilient parts were contacted with manikin, and the living space could not satisfy the requirements. To enhance the collision performance, some improvement mea-sures with filling structural foam in A-pillar and adding rear wall reinforcing plate and beam were applied. The simulation results show that the cab stiffness is promoted with optimized transfer path of force, and the energy absorption becomes more homogeneous without penetration into survival space.
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Received: 18 February 2013
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2014, Vol. 35 
