Application of Experimental and Finite Element Methods to Analyse the Effect of Inner Diaphragms of Automotive T-Frame

The framework of the automotive body structure is comprised of thin walled section members in the form of overlapping sheet metals fastened by spot-welds. In analysing the structure of the vehicle body, it is assumed that the intersecting angles at which the members are joined together varies according to the external forces. These frame joints are subject to dynamic and static loads. Experiments and finite element analysis can determine joint rigidity. The effective design of the vehicle T-joint can maximise passenger safety and reduce the vehicle weight. Thus, these were conducted to investigate the deflection of the vehicle T-frame. This paper discuss the behaviour of the T-frame under a specific loading. In addition, a series of T-frame with inner diaphragms (baffles) at various locations in the sill member were designed in order to investigate the effect of the inner diaphragms and non-continuous closed hat section in the sill member. The results from the experimental tests were compared with the results of the finite element analysis. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the inner diaphragm in the automotive T-frame.Copyright © 2005 by ASME