Fundamentals of Automobile Body Structure Design

This book provides readers with a solid understanding of the principles of automobile body structural design, illustrating the effect of changing design parameters on the behavior of automobile body structural elements. Emphasizing simple models of the behavior of body structural systems rather than complex mathematical models, the book looks at the best way to shape a structural element to achieve a desired function, why structures behave in certain ways, and how to improve performance. This second edition of Fundamentals of Automobile Body Structure Design contains many new sections including:

• the treatment of crashworthiness conditions of static roof crush and the small overlap rigid barrier
• torsion stiffness requirements
• material selection
• illustrations of body architecture

Each chapter now includes a clear flow down of requirements following the systems engineering methodology. Illustrations have been updated and expanded and a fresh modern format has been adapted enhancing the readability of the book.