Impact Resistance and Optimization of Metal-Composite-Metal Auto Body Panel Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

The impact resistance of new lightweight panel is studied. This panel consists of two thin metal layers bonded together by intermediate fiber/epoxy layers (MCM-sheets). To simulate a behavior of this kind of impact problem, explicit and implicit finite element software ABAQUS is used. In order to validate the finite element modeling, these results have been compared with experimental test results. The Response Surface Method (RSM) is applied to minimize the dent depth and panel mass. After optimization of panel, the panel with optimum dimension is compared to uniform panels in different stuff. However, the MCM-panel displays a larger dent resistance and less mass than the aluminium and the steel panels.