Crashworthiness Evaluation of Side Sill Structures under Aluminum Alloy Variation and Multi-Cell Configuration Using the Finite Element Method
Keywords:
crashworthiness, side sill, finite element method, aluminum alloys, multi-cell structure, energy absorptionAbstract
The high-fatality rate of traffic accidents, particularly in side collisions, indicates that current vehicle safety systems are not fully effective in protecting passengers. This issue becomes more critical in electric vehicles due to the potential risk of battery damage. This study aims to improve the crashworthiness of side sill structures through the selection of aluminum alloy materials and multi-cell design configurations to enhance energy absorption and maintain cabin integrity. The materials investigated include Aluminum 6061-T6, Aluminum 6082-T6, and Aluminum 7075-T6. The methodology involves geometric modeling using SolidWorks 2022 and finite element-based impact simulations using ANSYS Explicit Dynamics 2024 R2 at an impact speed of 60 km/h. The evaluation parameters include von Mises stress, energy absorption, and total deformation. The results show that Aluminum 7075-T6 exhibits the best performance, with a maximum stress of 499.84 MPa, an energy absorption capacity of , and a deformation of 18.253 mm, which remains progressive and localized, thereby maintaining structural integrity. In comparison, Aluminum 6061-T6 and 6082-T6 show lower stress values with relatively similar deformation patterns. Overall, the combination of multi-cell design and Aluminum 7075-T6 provides the best crashworthiness performance in enhancing energy absorption and cabin protection in side-impact scenarios.
Abstrak: Tingginya angka fatalitas kecelakaan lalu lintas, khususnya pada tabrakan samping, menunjukkan bahwa sistem keselamatan kendaraan saat ini belum sepenuhnya efektif dalam melindungi penumpang. Permasalahan ini menjadi semakin kritis pada kendaraan listrik akibat potensi risiko kerusakan baterai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan crashworthiness struktur side sill melalui pemilihan material paduan aluminium dan konfigurasi desain multi-cell guna meningkatkan penyerapan energi serta menjaga integritas kabin. Material yang dikaji meliputi Aluminium 6061-T6, Aluminium 6082-T6, dan Aluminium 7075-T6. Metodologi yang digunakan mencakup pemodelan geometri menggunakan SolidWorks 2022 serta simulasi impak berbasis metode elemen hingga menggunakan ANSYS Explicit Dynamics 2024 R2 pada kecepatan tumbukan 60 km/jam. Parameter evaluasi meliputi tegangan von Mises, penyerapan energi, dan deformasi total. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Aluminium 7075-T6 memiliki performa terbaik, dengan tegangan maksimum sebesar 499,84 MPa, kapasitas penyerapan energi sebesar , serta deformasi sebesar 18,253 mm yang bersifat progresif dan terlokalisasi sehingga mampu mempertahankan integritas struktur. Sebagai perbandingan, Aluminium 6061-T6 dan 6082-T6 menunjukkan nilai tegangan yang lebih rendah dengan pola deformasi yang relatif serupa. Secara keseluruhan, kombinasi desain multi-cell dan Aluminium 7075-T6 memberikan performa crashworthiness terbaik dalam meningkatkan penyerapan energi dan perlindungan kabin pada skenario tabrakan samping.
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