Abstract: Optimum gauges of components in a vehicle side structure that meet minimum roof crush test requirement and side impact crashworthiness analysis (SICE) requirements with minimal mass are identified using a global optimization algorithm. A grouping of iterations, wherein each iteration contains input components of varying thicknesses, is simulated using the roof crush and SICE models. A self adaptive evolution optimization algorithm is used to generate additional groupings of iterations based on intermediate optimum results of a previous grouping. The additional groupings are simulated one or more times to identify a global optimum thickness of components in a vehicle side structure.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle roof member, a first panel, a second panel, and a serpentine-shaped reinforcement structure. The first panel connects with and depends downwardly from the vehicle roof member. The second panel connects with the first panel. The first panel and the second panel form, when connected, a vehicle pillar. The serpentine-shaped reinforcement structure includes a plurality of peak sections and a plurality of valley sections and is disposed in the vehicle pillar between the first panel and the second panel. The reinforcement structure is fixed to the first panel via a weld at a peak section. The reinforcement structure is closest to the second panel at a valley section. A method for manufacturing a vehicle body structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle roof member, a first panel, a second panel, and a serpentine-shaped reinforcement structure. The first panel connects with and depends downwardly from the vehicle roof member. The second panel connects with the first panel. The first panel and the second panel form, when connected, a vehicle pillar. The serpentine-shaped reinforcement structure includes a plurality of peak sections and a plurality of valley sections and is disposed in the vehicle pillar between the first panel and the second panel. The reinforcement structure is fixed to the first panel via a weld at a peak section. The reinforcement structure is closest to the second panel at a valley section. A method for manufacturing a vehicle body structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Optimum gauges of components in a vehicle side structure that meet minimum roof crush test requirement and side impact crashworthiness analysis (SICE) requirements with minimal mass are identified using a global optimization algorithm. A grouping of iterations, wherein each iteration contains input components of varying thicknesses, is simulated using the roof crush and SICE models. A self adaptive evolution optimization algorithm is used to generate additional groupings of iterations based on intermediate optimum results of a previous grouping. The additional groupings are simulated one or more times to identify a global optimum thickness of components in a vehicle side structure.

Abstract: A vehicle or automotive body includes a floor panel, first and second side sills, connected to, respectively, to opposite side of the floor panel, a cross member extending between the side sills and connected to each side sill, a rear door panel, a first reinforcing structure connected to the rear door panel, and a second reinforcing structure connected to the cross member. The second reinforcing structure is arranged with respect to the first reinforcing structure such that the first reinforcing structure contacts the second reinforcing structure during a side impact crash event to transfer load into the cross member.

Abstract: A vehicle or automotive body includes a floor panel, first and second side sills, connected to, respectively, to opposite side of the floor panel, a cross member extending between the side sills and connected to each side sill, a rear door panel, a first reinforcing structure connected to the rear door panel, and a second reinforcing structure connected to the cross member. The second reinforcing structure is arranged with respect to the first reinforcing structure such that the first reinforcing structure contacts the second reinforcing structure during a side impact crash event to transfer load into the cross member.