Development of a new car C-pillar made of sandwich structures. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valladares, David; Castejon, Luis; Cuartero, Jesus; Malon, Hugo; Ranz Angulo, David; Ilijevic, Stefan; Agustin, Xavier
• Is Part Of: Journal of sandwich structures & materials. Volume 23:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2586
• Page End: 2613
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: C-pillar -- sandwich structure -- automotive component -- steel skin -- epoxy foam; Sandwich construction -- Periodicals; 624.177905
• DOI: 10.1177/1099636220909947
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1099-6362

Abstract

This article presents the experimental–numerical analysis carried out in order to achieve a new automotive component, consisting of a C-pillar constituted by sandwich structure made of steel skins and a rigid foam core. The objective was to achieve a lighter component than the corresponding reference configuration, yet fulfilling mechanical requirements related to stiffness and strength. In fact, the new C-pillar should be at least stiffer and stronger than the reference component. In addition, the final price of the new C-pillar should be in the same range as the price of the initial component, which made it impossible to apply expensive materials such as carbon fiber composite materials.