Abstract
Signs of incompatibility such as over-riding, under-riding and forking are
likely caused by geometrical incompatibility in the vertical and horizontal directions. The
issue is, therefore, not only a challenge for partner protection but also a possible disadvantage
in self-protection. One possible solution to this contradictory condition is to have good
structural interactions between the front-ends of the two cars. In this research, it was
hypothesized that homogeneous vehicle front-end structures are desirable for simultaneously
reducing aggressivity and damageability. Homogeneity was evaluated using high-order
statistical variables, and an attempt was made to optimize the shapes of energy-absorbing
structures using muti-functional criteria to satisfied based on real world conditions. FE models
were made of the energy-absorbing frontal structures of a small car. The structure were
modeled with beam elements for the sake of simplicity with respect to the parts targeted for
shape optimization. A multipurpose design optimization tool based on a genetic algorithm
was used as the tool for shape optimization. The results obtained from shape optimization are
numerically tested in actual car structure in real world crash conditions to confirm the
effectiveness of curved structures.
Keywords - Compatibility, Aggressivity, Interaction, Homogeneous, Optimization.