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The paper discusses recent developments in the macro element methodology. Newly developed macro elements: tapered super beam, thin-walled super joint, and deformable barrier allow for simulation of the crash response of space frames in arbitrary crash configurations. The paper discusses underlying modeling concept and calculation methodology used in the development of new macro elements and demonstrates its effectiveness in the calculation/design process. A number of crash simulation examples are given which illustrates the accuracy of the macro element method in comparison to time consuming FE calculations.

The paper presents an Object Oriented Formulation (OOF) of the FE method. The new formulation encompasses models based on traditional FE and Super Element modeling, rigid body mechanics as well as models based on experimental evidence. The first computer implementation of new algorithm addresses dynamic response of arbitrary thin-walled 3D frame structures discretized into SuperBeam Elements and subjected to large dynamic crash loading. The paper presents basics of the general algorithm and element formulation. The theoretical part is followed by the discussion of benchmark tests and results of the application to real world structures.

This paper presents a new Object Oriented Formulation of the FE algorithm that encompasses traditional FE, Super Element, experimental data and rigid body mechanics in a single calculation environment. The new formulation is implemented in a software for the dynamic crash simulation of an arbitrary 3D frame structure discretized into Super Elements and subjected to large dynamic crash loading. The paper presents basics of the general algorithm and element formulation. The theoretical portion of this paper is followed by a discussion of benchmark tests and results of the application to real world structures.

CRASH-CAD is a commercially available computer aided design package that specifically addresses design problems of components and sub-assemblies of automotive bodies subjected to crash loading. The program is fully interactive and leads an engineer in several steps towards an improved crashworthy design. The objective of the present paper is to give a theoretical foundation of this new computer program and demonstrate its various capabilities. CRASH-CAD enjoys unparalleled modelling simplicity. It requires only basic cross-sectional dimensions of a given member and a discretization into Superfolding Elements is done automatically. The current version of CRASH-CAD is applicable to prismatic members subjected to predominantly axial compressive loads.