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The pursuit of high-performance engineering systems requires a sophisticated balance between structural durability and lightweight design. This seminar focuses on the development of advanced topology optimization techniques specifically specialized for the crashworthiness of thin-walled structures, such as automotive crash boxes and vehicle components. While traditional optimization often focuses on linear static scenarios, this research addresses the complex challenges of nonlinear plastic buckling and large-scale deformations during axial impact. Using an innovative approach based on the Equivalent Static Loads (ESLs) method, the study investigates the strategic redistribution of material to optimize energy absorption. A critical component of this work is the precise identification and reinforcement of plastic hinges—the primary mechanisms through which structures manage impact energy. By integrating high-fidelity Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with rate-dependent plasticity, this research demonstrates that it is possible to significantly enhance energy management and structural resilience without increasing mass. Case studies involving collisions will be discussed, highlighting how simulation-led design transforms the development of lightweight next-generation structures that result in safer, more efficient, durable, and energy-efficient systems applicable to the automotive, aerospace, and maritime industries.
Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom
From Computer
Log in and start your Zoom session with participants
From Phone
To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera