Abstract
In the process of design engineering, it is necessary to co-ordinate constantly the conflicting requirements for body weight reduction with simultaneous improvement of its stiffness, energy absorption capability, etc. By application of the contemporary calculation methods, use of computers in the design process, computer simulation of body behaviour, introduction of new test methods, materials and technologies, etc., design engineers are faced with the increasing possibilities and restrictions as well.
The static test results do not yield sufficient information that can be used as basis for forecasting body behaviour during impact. In order to create preconditions for forecasting body behaviour during impact has developed a method for quasi-static testing of body behaviour under conditions of large deformations that includes:
- measurement of the whole body deformation process at the selected measurement points
- measurement of the total deformation at >150 measurement points
- recording the body behaviour using more cameras
Conducted tests give additional data concerning the behaviour of the body supporting structure elements on the front and rear frame. Test conditions were more unfavourable for the body itself in relation to both the load imposed under real conditions and in the impact situation, because the testing was carried out until the supporting structure failed, whereas influence of other power train elements was eliminated, knowing that its presence results in a different body load distribution.
Based on the results of the conducted tests, it is possible to evaluate the passenger automobile body behaviour in a much more reliable manner and thus forecast its behaviour during impact.