Optimum Design of a Center-pillar Model with a Simplified Side Impact Analysis

This paper is concerned with optimum design of a center-pillar assembly induced by the high-speed side impact of the vehicle. In order to simulate deformation behavior of the center-pillar assembly, simplified finite element model of the center-pillar and a moving deformable barrier are developed based on results of the crash analysis of a full vehicle model. In optimization of the deformation shape of the center-pillar, S-shaped deformation is targeted to guarantee reduction of the injury level of a driver dummy in the crash test. Tailor-welded blanks are adopted in the simplified center-pillar model to control the deformation shape of the center-pillar assembly. The thickness of each part which constitutes the simplified model is selected as a design parameter. The thickness of parts which have significant effect on the deformation mechanism are selected as design parameters with sensitivity analysis based on the design of experiment technique. The objective function is constructed so as to minimize the weight and lead to an S-mode deformation shape. The result shows that the simplified model can be utilized effectively for optimum design of the center-pillar members with remarkable saving of computing time.