Effects of different design and lightweight material on energy distribution and collision characteristics for hot-formed B-pillar using finite element simulation

In line with international environmental policies and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the number of electric vehicles also shows a sharp increase. This increase is aimed at reducing energy use, vehicle lightening, and increasing passenger safety by leading vehicle manufacturers to use new generation materials. However, the use of newly developed materials in the automotive industry takes a long time, and the developments in the field of materials and vehicle technologies are progressing at different speeds. In this study; the B-pillar part of a B-segment car was analyzed with HPF2000 material instead of the current HPF1500 material using the finite element method. The designs prepared as two different options were simulated with Ls-Dyna according to EuroNCAP side impact test standards. As a result of the simulations, the effects of different design and material variables on energy absorption, collision characteristics, and lightness were examined. It was seen that the energy absorbed by the part increased by 2.9% thanks to the new material and design. Specific energy absorption, another feature indicating the collision characteristic, increased by 11.81%. The total weight of the part decreased by 9.7% with using new generation material. In summary; With the use of new generation high-strength hot-formed steels in vehicle parts, besides the vehicle’s lightness, the mechanical properties have improved the collision characteristics and vehicle safety has also increased.