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Nonlinear finite element crash simulation was used to evaluate convertible crashworthiness in frontal and rear impacts. Simulations were employed to help identify direction for front structure reinforcement and convertible top design. The analyses were performed using LS-Dyna3d on supercomputer and workstation platforms wherever it deemed proper. It demonstrated that the simulations were effective in suggesting the right alternatives, which was later verified in the experimental run.

A truck cab latch assembly is presented as an example to illustrate the usefulness of computer based geometrical and statistical modeling. An economic analysis is conducted to show a typical cost benefit of the approach. Further applications of the approach relative to existing computer design tools is discussed as a topic for presentation in a later paper. Various packages currently available from SDRC are referenced as typical examples of these tools. Product cost is shown to be significantly reduced using this method. Correlation of the manufacturing scenerio to a “real world” situation is discussed.