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Optimizing the design of automobile outer panels for weight reductions requires a consideration of stiffness and dent resistance. This paper presents a finite element analysis method for predicting the dent resistance of automobile body panels. The method is based on elastoplasticity analysis and nonlinear contact analysis. The analysis shows that dent resistance is greatly influenced not only by the stress-strain curve of the formed panel but also by the residual stress in the panel. An increase in yield stress improves dent resistance. The computed results obtained with this method compare favorably with experimental data, thereby validating this approach.

This paper describes the method to improve the energy absorption characteristics during the vehicle frontal collision. The method is to control the collapse phases of the members constituting the vehicle body and to increase collapse force of a member. This phase-control can be accomplished by superimposing the crest of the collapse force curve, which one member causes, on the trough of any other members'. The bulkheads installed in the members are useful. to control the phase and to increase the collapse force. Numerical analysis and experiment of a vehicle collision show that the control leads to the improvement of energy absorption characteristics and load transmission efficiency.

This paper describes methods to reduce body shake caused by engine vibration at idling from the viewpoint of body structure through the control of resonant frequency and shake modes. (1) Resonant frequency control method; Optimization of stiffness versus body member mass affected by large strain or kinetic energy is essential to control resonant frequency. Resonant frequency can be shifted in conjunction with the ratio of energy on a member to whole body energy. (2) Body shake reduction method; Optimized distribution of stiffness throughout the body produces a favorable body shake mode and minimizes shake levels at relevant parts of the body such as the steering column support and floor while counterbalancing high shake levels in other parts of the body.