Wave and finite element modelling of automotive joints including lightweight composites

The use of lightweight composite materials is increasing across the automotive sector for the purpose of improving efficiency and increasing the range of electric vehicles. The high stiffness to mass ratios of these materials mean that the structural modes occur at higher frequencies, motivating the use of mid and high frequency modelling techniques. In this work we discuss the application of the Wave and Finite Element (WFE) method to analyse the wave propagation within multilayer plate and carbon fibre configurations. The reflection/transmission properties of a joint connecting these multilayer structures to a hollow beam will then be studied using the hybrid finite element and WFE approach proposed by Renno and Mace. The optimisation of the joint design will also be discussed within the wider context, including factors such as crashworthiness and production costs.