Numerical Techniques for Structural Assessment of Vehicle Architectures

This chapter addresses three main aspects: introduction to the finite element method (FEM), advanced finite element analysis (FEA), and the application of FEM/FEA to vehicle structures with an emphasis on large deformation/nonlinear and dynamic analysis. The first sections of the chapter are intended to act as a refresher of the basics of FEM, briefly outlining the fundamental equations and principles. The following sections of the chapter are aimed at providing an overview of more complex FEA problems, such as nonlinear and/or dynamic analysis, as often required in connection with vehicle safety structures. The purpose of the final sections of this chapter is to unite Chapter 1 and the initial sections of this chapter into an overview of how FEM/FEA is used for vehicle structural design and analysis, including postprocessing of results, and will form the basis for the remaining chapters of this book.