Finite element analysis of a bus skeleton and structure improvement

Abstract

Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to analyze structure of a bus is a main step of the body design. It can optimize the mechanical structure. A bus sample was researched. Its three-dimensional geometric model was built with CATIA. And a finite element model is setup with basic element of CQUAD4 for future strength analysis in Nastran. When building FEA model, it is essential to consider some factors such as simplification of geometric model, boundary conditions, weight and load. And five working conditions were analyzed. Finally, regional structure with high strength was improved and some improving methods were given based on the result of simulation. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.