Verification and validation for the vibration study of automotive structures modelled by finite elements

The purpose of this article is to investigate the so-called verification and validation methodology for the vibration study of automotive structures, in particular natural frequencies and frequency response functions. In computational mechanics, the main objective of verification and validation leading to numerical and experimental works is to assess and improve the predictive capability of finite element models. Three main applications are presented throughout the article. The first application deals with spot weld modelling techniques. Four spot weld models are critically investigated for this study, namely two point-to-point and two surface-to-surface approaches. Two examples are treated: an assembly of two plates with three spot welds and a cradle. The second application deals with modelling galvanized structures. The study is focussed on automotive engine cradles. Experimental comparison between welded and galvanized assemblies highlights the mechanical effects due to galvanization. Finite element models, specifically developed for galvanized assemblies, are presented. The third application deals with a vehicle windscreen that is a sandwich structure made of glass and polymers. The dynamic behaviour of the windscreen under free–free conditions, in the presence of intra variability due to temperature variation, is discussed. Solid finite element models and multilayer shell models are assessed and compared.