Composite crash behavior
The project addresses key issues in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) methods aimed for representative modelling of energy absorbing mechanisms in automotive structures made of advanced, in particular, carbon reinforced, polymer composites in the event of a crash. In fact, the proper crash simulation methodology is a prominent enabler of safe lightweight composite vehicle structures. The ultimate goal in a ten years perspective is to establish confidence in crash predictions of composite vehicles to a level comparable with current state of the art for conventional metallic structures. It is of utmost importance that the Swedish automotive industry properly takes on this issue with respect to future competitiveness in lightweight design. To accomplish a robust and cost efficient simulation of crash in a composite structure, the project proposes four main work packages comprising research issues ranging from damage modeling at the ply-level to homogenization based modelling of the laminate behavior as well as dissemination and valorization of the results obtained. Ten partners are involved where Chalmers Applied Mechanics and Swerea SICOMP represent the academic and institute side, whereas Volvo Car Corporation and AB Volvo represent car and truck manufacturers, and Autoliv, Altair Engineering, DYNAmore Nordic, Epsilon AB, Semcon AB and Escenda Engineering AB represents FKG.
Short facts
FFI
Chalmers, Autoliv, AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, ÅF, Semcon, Escenda, Altair, DYNAMore Nordic, Sicomp