Simulation and Verification of the Body-in-White Finite Element Model Based on Static Stiffness

This paper uses Hypermesh to convert the 3D digital BIW(body-in-white) model into a finite element model. Welding joints are simulated using ACM(shell gap) and RBE2 elements, bolts are simulated using RBE2 elements and adhesives are simulated using adhesives(shell gap) elements. The bending and torsion conditions were established, and solved by OptiStruct. Considering the natural sinking of the BIW under bending conditions, a linear method was used to process the simulation data. The bending stiffness was 17391.3N/mm. The torsional stiffness was 11173.2N•m/°. The bending and torsional stiffness tests of the BIW were conducted. The bending stiffness test value was 16393.4N/mm, and the torsional stiffness test value was 11737.4N•m/°. Through simulation and test, the bending stiffness error is 6.1% and the torsional stiffness error is 4.8%. The curve trend is basically the same. It is considered that the established BIW finite element model is effective and provides a production test for the body structure design.