AUTOMOTIVE BODY JOINT ANALYSIS FOR IMPROVED VEHICLE RESPONSE

A comprehensive analysis system for defining the flexible characteristics of body structural joints is described. A static test methodology for obtaining joint stiffness characteristics is presented. A joint databank, consisting of linear joint stiffness characteristics, is developed. A minicomputer based dynamic joint stiffness testing methodology for obtaining dynamic joint stiffness characteristics, which can be integrated into finite element body models, is explained. Finite element joint modeling procedures for obtaining joint stiffness characteristics, before hardware availability, are outlined. A joint modification technique integrating finite element analysis, laboratory testing and vehicle evaluation, which significantly improved vehicle NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) response, is described.