| This thesis describes methods for creating a concept finite element model in an early automotive design phase, when structural decisions occur. Detailed finite element models use shell element types for modeling sheet metal components regardless of the component's structural function. Concept finite element models divide the architecture into two categories of beam components and shell components established by the component's structural function. Additionally, concept models require special major body joint construction utilizing coincident nodes, rigid element connections, or elastic joint representations because of the concept model's beam component junctions. Concept modeling techniques facilitate simplifying model size, development time, and solution time for automotive body-in-white structures.; A reverse engineering process is utilized to generate a baseline detailed finite element model of a physical pickup box, which is analyzed to determine benchmark noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) parameters. Then, three concept modeling joint representation strategies are investigated via finite element analysis direct comparison with the benchmark NVH parameters. Next, the most accurate concept modeling procedure is selected for utilization as an early design phase concept modeling methodology. Finally, multiple design concept models are constructed to trim pickup box weight for a light-duty truck. The redesign efforts are primarily focused on the bulky transverse cross members and inefficient load bearing floor geometry arrangement. |
