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In order to bring the advanced finite element programs closer to the requirements of the early design stages, a compound beam element with varying joint and hinge moment-rotation curves has been developed and implemented into the public version of program DYNA-3D. The new beam combines the existing Belytschko-Schwer beam element with rotary springs having very non linear moment-rotation curves in the elastic-plastic and deep collapse range. The element behaviour under uniaxial and biaxial bending presented using simple models where various effects can be easily traced.

A side impact study carried out on a particular vehicle has been described and used as a case study to represent a methodology for incorporating side crashworthiness in a new vehicle concept design. In the automotive design environment, it has proved difficult to include side crashworthiness satisfactorily in the initial stages of the passenger car design. Lack of vehicle data at such a stage does not allow detailed finite element analysis. It is, however, possible to suggest the required collapse properties for individual components within the structure so that, through a coarse finite element idealization, a design for crashworthiness can be carried out. The crash properties of the structure can be arrived at by parametric studies of individual components that are absorbing the major portion of the crash energy.