On reliability-based optimisation methods for automotive structures

To reduce the cost of prototype and physical tests, CAE analysis has been widely used to evaluate vehicle performance during the product development process. Combining CAE analysis and optimisation approach, the vehicle design process can be implemented more efficiently at affordable cost. Reliability-based design optimisation (RBDO) formulation considers variations of input variables, such as component gauges and material properties. This paper is on the application of reliability-based design optimisation of automotive structures. Several fundamental approaches aimed at simulations, optimisation and robustness analysis are discussed. They include sampling techniques and non-linear response surface methodologies, optimisation and robustness assessment, reliability-based design optimisation and robust design formulation. The major focus is on the implementation of reliability-based design optimisation methodologies in vehicle crash safety design. Some recent applications are presented to demonstrate how these approaches were used for vehicle structure design.