Predictive modelling technique helps TKA Tallent Chassis optimise automotive component design
10 Sep 2007
- Forming to strength (F2S®) model helps reduce development times and cost
Corus, the international metals company, has deployed its Forming to Strength (F2S®) predictive modelling technique to help TKA Tallent Chassis validate the strength of sub-assembly components.
All manufacturing processes can change the physical properties of a material. It is therefore essential that component manufacturers and carmakers understand how steel will perform and behave as it is formed into shape. Corus has developed a number of modelling techniques that enable customers to include these changes in material properties in crash, fatigue or strength analyses as an integral part of the product development process.
Corus worked with Tallent to validate the F2S® technique on a suspension lower control arm which uses Corus Tenform XF300 and XF400 HSLA steel grades. Conventional finite element strength modelling does not include changes in the steel properties resulting from the forming process. However, the Corus F2S® technique takes the formed thickness and material strength from PAM-STAMP forming analysis and uses this as inputs to ABAQUS (finite element software) strength analysis.
Strength tests conducted by Tallent on the lower control arm showed that conventional finite element modelling under-predicts the measured strength by 13%. However, when using the Corus F2S® technique, the accuracy of the prediction was within 1% of the measured strength. By utilising this new computer aided engineering approach, Corus and its customers are able to work together to reduce lead times and therefore costs during the development process.
Commenting on the benefits to customers of using Corus’ specialist analysis techniques, Rene Kieft, Manager Product & Technology Corus Strip Products said: “Our F2S® predictive model is just one of a number of unique analysis simulation tools, which include Forming to Crash (F2C®) and Forming to Fatigue (F2F®), that we can provide customers to help them maximise the value of the steel Corus supply. Crucially, by using these CAE tools, customers such as Tallent, can more quickly and more robustly evaluate the potential benefits of introducing new materials to the component production process during the life span of a vehicle without incurring prohibitive cost and time.”
Dr Adam Towse, Analysis Supervisor, TKA Tallent Chassis added: “The ability to introduce new materials is particularly important as there is a growing demand from our OEM customers to use today’s modern High Strength and Dual Phase steels in order to meet the on-going need to reduce vehicle weight whilst maintaining performance and strength. Corus’ predictive modelling techniques allow us to evaluate new materials in order to successfully introduce these modern steel products to the benefit of our customers.”
Ends
Press release can be downloaded from websites:
www.automotivepr.com and www.corusautomotive.com
Corus Automotive media enquiries:
Marco Ferrari +44 (0) 207 494 8050 mferrari@automotivepr.com
Belle Wilson + 44 (0) 207 494 8053 bwilson@automotivepr.com
Corus Automotive
Corus is one of the leading suppliers of steel products, services and technology to the automotive industry. A broad range of Corus steels, ranging from strip and engineering steels to tubes, are used by our customers to make products that are used in body-in-white, closures, chassis and suspension systems, powertrain, seating systems, safety systems, interior trim and other components. Corus is committed to the global automotive industry, uniquely combining its materials and vehicle engineering knowledge to respond cost-effectively to key drivers of importance to the sector, such as safety, fuel-efficiency, innovation and the environment. The Company actively supports supply chain initiatives that improve efficiency and enhance the value of steel used in automotive applications. For further information, view the Corus automotive website (www.corusautomotive.com).
Corus is Europe's second largest steel producer with revenues of £9.7 billion and crude steel production of 18.3 million tonnes in 2006, primarily in the UK and the Netherlands. Combining international expertise with local customer service, the Corus brand represents quality and strength, providing innovative solutions to the construction, automotive, packaging, mechanical engineering and other markets worldwide. Corus is a subsidiary of Tata Steel, the world's sixth largest and second most global steel producer. With a combined presence in nearly 50 countries, Tata Steel including Corus has 84,000 employees across five continents and a pro forma crude steel production of 27 million tonnes in 2007.
