Numerical Study of Effect of Material and Orientation on Strength of Side Door Intrusion Beam

Nowadays more and more people are concerned about the safety rating of their vehicle. The safety rating depends on the ability of the car to minimize the injury to the occupants post-crash. Crashworthiness of the vehicle is determined by carrying out various tests such as static and dynamic tests. Side crashes are one of the leading causes of fatal injury following front crashes. Side door strength is dependent on the door components such as latch and striker, hinge, door beam etc. Lateral stiffness is contributed significantly by the side door beam in the door structure. The side door beam limits the side intrusion into passenger compartment. This paper emphasizes the effect of intrusion beam materials and orientation in the side door strength with a numerical approach using ANSYS tool. These factors affect the strength and weight of the door. The simulation study with respect to door design is cost-effective and time-saving. Side door intrusion test as per IS 12009 norms is simulated in the software and are substantiated by the experimental test results of existing literature.