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This paper presents a methodology for simulating Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) for a typical vehicle bonnet (hood) under a range of onset flow conditions. The hood was chosen for this study, as it is one of the panels most prone to vibration; particularly given the trend to make vehicle panels lighter. Among the worst-case scenarios for inducing vibration is a panel being subjected to turbulent flow from vehicle wakes, and the sudden peak loads caused by emerging from a vehicle wake. This last case is typical of a passing manoeuvre, with the vehicle suddenly transitioning from being immersed in the wake of the leading vehicle, to being fully exposed to the free-stream flow. The transient flowfield was simulated for a range of onset flow conditions that could potentially be experienced on the open road, which may cause substantial vibration of susceptible vehicle panels.

The paper examines the application of hydroforms to body structure design and presents application concepts for such formed components. The examination of a complete body structure employing a number of hydroforms both in the underframe and upper glass-house structure provides new learning for future applications. The Land Rover Freelander forms the basis for the comparison. A pre-development project resulted in the design, engineering and building of body structures incorporating a number of hydroformed components as an integral theme (Figure 1). The project scope included mass reduction whilst maintaining performance targets and attributes. The project identified issues for product design and the processing of components.