Development of a Parametric Model for Advanced Vehicle Design 2004-01-0381

This paper describes a research project currently in-progress to develop a parametric model of a vehicle for use in early design stages of a new vehicle program. The model requires key input parameters to define the kind of new vehicle to be designed — in terms of details such as its intended driver/user population, vehicle type (e.g. 2-box, 3-box designs), and some key exterior and interior dimensions related to its size and proportions. The model computes and graphically displays interior package, ergonomics zones for driver controls and displays, and field of views through window openings. It also allows importing or inputting and superimposing and manipulating exterior surfaces created by a designer to assess compatibility between the interior occupant package and the vehicle exterior. Pre-developed beam models of vehicle body can be selected, superimposed and manipulated to fit within the exterior surfaces; and the vehicle body structure can be analyzed by performing analyses such as torsional stiffness, bending stiffness, modal frequencies, frontal impact loading and crush, etc. The model users will also be able to compare their design with a number of benchmarked vehicles and conduct a number of “what if” analyses (e.g. changing driver's seating reference point, selecting different materials for body structural components). The interactive nature of the model will allow continual dialogs between various design and engineering disciplines as the design team members iterate the model and make changes to perform various trade-off and feasibility related decisions. The model will not only reduce advanced engineering time but it will serve as a valuable tool to teach systems engineering issues to young automotive designers, engineers and drafters.