Mathematical Problems in Engineering Joint Structure Stiffness Analysis of an Automotive Body in White with the Finite Element Method

Abstract

The finite element model of the seven connection heads of an automotive body in white is established, and the stiffness calculation is carried out by taking the lower joint of the B pillar as an example. Nine stiffness values were obtained for each branch, which can be written as a 3 × 3 symmetric matrix. The front and back bending stiffness, torsional stiffness, and internal and external bending stiffness are obtained with the decoupling method. Based on this, the finite element model for unrigid and rigid joints is established, and the three stiffness ratio coefficients of each branch of the joint are calculated and evaluated. Finally, the effects of the thickness and stiffness of the sheet metal parts on the bending condition, torsion condition, first-order bending, and torsion frequency of the body in white are discussed using the regional sensitivity analysis and strain energy calculation.