Design of Automotive Body Structure for Roof Crush

This paper investigates the parameters that influence the design and analysis of automotive structures subject to roof crush loading. Influence of components such as roof bows, A-pillars, B-pillars, roof side rails, windshield header, and windshield glass on the load carrying capacity of the green house structure is discussed. Several analysis of the roof model were carried out to simulate the effect of roof bows, windshield glass, windshield header, and roof side rail span. The results of this analysis are discussed in terms of components contribution to the strength and stability of the greenhouse structure. The mode of collapse of the 3D roof structure is analyzed and the formulation of the plastic hinges and maximum collapse moment is discussed. Results from a non-linear finite beam element system code are presented in this paper. Axial and bending strengths, sequences of failure, and modes of collapse from this code are discussed at both the component and system level. Also presented in this paper is a summary of engineering guidelines and recommendations for designing roof structure components to carry roof crush load.