Effects of coupling anisotropic yield functions with the optimization process of extruded aluminum front rail geometries in crashworthiness

Using advanced constitutive models in simulation tools can improve predictive capabilities of automotive structures in crashworthiness applications. This work presents the influences of coupling anisotropic yield functions into the size optimization of extruded front rails to maximize energy absorption characteristics. Finite element simulations of the extrusion crush response are performed using the von Mises (1913), Hosford (1972) and Barlat …