The computer-based performance prediction capabilities of Arup’s in-house software, analysis and vehicle design specialists brought valuable insights to the design team.
Arup has many years experience of designing vehicles using these advanced methods. The dispersal of these skills in various locations across the globe helped deliver the solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Finite element analysis
The finite element packages LS-DYNA and MSC Nastran were used to check and refine the design to ensure the final product met all the required performance criteria.
The design was subject to several key performance metrics: torsional and bending body modal frequencies as well as frontal, side and rear impact tests using the EuroNCAP procedure. A Volkswagen Golf 5 vehicle body was used as the reference design.