Reduced modal models and negative concept modifications in dynamic analysis

In this paper a concept CAE approach to efficiently modify the properties of beam-like sections and joint connections of a vehicle body is presented. Negative concept modifications in the beams and in the joints are analyzed using reduced models. Standard beam elements are used to implement the modifications in the beam-like section, where the joint modifications are considered through Guyan superelements. Examples are presented for beam thickness and joint stiffness modifications, but one can consider any properties: it will be shown that by adding beams to the beam model and by applying Guyan superelements to the joint model one thus obtains a much smaller models for fast modification analysis. The proposed approach is then demonstrated on an industrial vehicle model to quickly and accurately optimise the low-medium frequency behaviour. © (2006) by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Department of Mechanical Engineering All rights reserved.