Multi-Scale Analysis of Joints in Hybrid Metal/Composite Structures in ESI Virtual Performance Solution (VPS)

The lack of maturity of crash simulation of structures made of hybrid materials is a key issue for lightweight engineering in automotive industry. Tailoring local behavior and mixing materials while accounting for this mix and joining problematics in the simulation methodology are required to optimize weight and costs, without the need of a real prototype. Current lightweight vehicle programs use local strengthening of structural body components through hot or warm formed high strength steels joined with spot-welds. New metals or composites parts with new joining techniques are progressively introduced for the next stage of weight saving. Local reinforcement by thermo-plastic composites is also considered to offset costs trade-offs.