Research on the Inflence Mechanism and Lightweight of Windshield on the Stiffness of BIW

The impact mechanism of the front windshield on the torsional stiffness of the body in white (BIW) was studied by using a simplified windshield model, and the lightweight design of the front windshield was performed. Firstly, the influence of the front windshield on the torsional stiffness of the BIW was verified, and the mathematical model and simplified finite element model of the windshield stiffness were established. It is concluded that the shear stiffness of the front windshield is the main factor affecting the torsional stiffness of BIW. Secondly, the relationship between the windshield stiffness and the torsional stiffness of the BIW was established, and the influences of the elastic modulus and thickness of different types of windshield on the torsional stiffness of the vehicle body were quickly analyzed using the simplified model. Finally, two lightweight design schemes were carried out for the windshield. The accuracy of the simulation models was verified by experiments. The two schemes have achieved weight reduction by 17.3% and 41.4%, respectively, under the requirements of the stiffness and mode of BIW and the pedestrian protection.