Characterization, mechanical testing, and numerical optimization of the B-pillar component of a car

Abstract

In the automotive industry, engineers aim on improving the passengers safety while abiding the strict environmental laws set by the governments and striving to enhance the overall performance of the vehicle. On top of increasing the power and efficiency of the engine, reducing the mass of the car plays a major role in reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Complicated manufacturing processes were introduced in order to insure high safety chassis especially when it comes to the body center pillars (B-pillars). The aim of this project is to study the state of the art of current B-pillars by material characterization and mechanical testing. Moreover, a numerical study using the finite element method was performed to find the optimized B-Pillar design for various materials, while applying modern forming techniques like tailor rolling and tailor welding.