Title: Simplified truck chassis modelling and crashworthiness analysis

Authors: Yucheng Liu, Michael L. Day

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA

Abstract: In this paper, a simplified model is developed for a truck chassis, which is comprised of beam and spring elements and can be used for crashworthiness analyses. In the simplified model, non-linear spring elements are used to simulate the bending and collapse behaviour of thin-walled structures of the truck chassis. These non-linear spring elements are created based on bending and collapse theories of thin-walled beams. Equivalent beams are applied to model the transverse plate components in the truck chasses. After completion, both detailed and simplified models are used for crashworthiness analyses, and the results are recorded and compared. Relatively good agreement is achieved through these analyses, while computer time is significantly reduced and modelling labour is remarkably saved by using the developed simplified model.

Keywords: simplified modelling; crashworthiness; thin-walled beams; truck chassis models; box section; channel section; side rail; cross member; nonlinear spring elements; bending behaviour; collapse behaviour; heavy vehicles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2008.022244

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2008 Vol.15 No.2/3/4, pp.237 - 254

Published online: 24 Dec 2008 *

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