Crash Analysis of Bus Body Structure using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Crash analysis of non-air-conditioned sleeper bus has been carried in present work. Using relevant automotive industry standards (052 and 119) bus dimensions are considered for design. Surface modeling technique is used to prepare computer aided model. Further the bus design is freeze using finite element analysis for different crash conditions as front impact, side impact and rear impact. Crash analysis of the proposed bus design is carried using Ansys Workbench. Using the outcomes from finite element analysis as stresses, deflections, internal and kinetic energies during various crash conditions are estimated. Mesh generator is used to mesh the complex bus model. The stress and deflection magnitudes of proposed bus model are in good agreement with the experimental results available in literature. Design improvements are made using the finite element analysis outcomes, observing the deformation patterns additional pillar members of suitable length are added to increase the dynamic crush and further enhance occupant safety during collisions.