Modeling and Comparative Analysis of Different Generic Cross Section B-Pillar Design in Roof Crush Impact

Abstract

When a vehicle tips over onto its roof or side due to internal or external forces, it is called a rollover impact. Rollover is a very critical impact compared to other modes of vehicle impacts. The B-pillar and its cross-section design are very critical in the rollover impacts, as they help reduce the cabin intrusion of the vehicle. The B-pillar absorbs most of the energy at the time of rollover and reduces the fatality rate of the passenger. In this work, a B-pillar Finite Element (FE) model is developed and analyzed as per the FMVSS216a standard protocol to check the critical performance. Two generic cross-sections of the B-pillar are considered for preliminary assessment. These B-pillar design FE models (cut models) are modeled and analyzed for FMVSS216a using the LS-DYNA explicit code. The FMVS216a lab test is a quasi-static test and LS-DYNA is a well-accepted FEA tool to simulate the quasi-static test. LS-DYNA software is widely accepted as a multi-purpose Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool, capable of solving complex problems in the field of Automobile, Aerospace, etc. Therefore, LS-DYNA is considered for the study of the B-Pillar simulations. Both B-pillar designs are accessed and compared with respect to energy absorption and crush resistance characteristics in relation to the full vehicle rollover test. With the detailed performance study of both cross-section designs under rollover impact, the best performing B-pillar design, in terms of high energy absorption and high vehicle resistance, is selected for further optimization study to meet roof crush standard requirements.