Automotive Crash Test Software for VW Rabbit Car 1981

AI Thread Summary
For a senior project focused on lightening a 1981 VW Rabbit, utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software is recommended to model the car and assess safety improvements. The discussion highlights the importance of analyzing the trade-offs between strength and weight when modifying the vehicle, particularly with the addition of roll bars. While proprietary software used by major automakers may be unavailable, there are various FEA packages that can be beneficial. The project may involve both material removal and substitution with lighter materials. Overall, careful modeling and analysis are crucial for ensuring safety during modifications.
bpcaddy
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For my senior project i plan on litening a vw rabbit car. 1981.

Any software that i could uuse to model the care and provide great data on how i could improve the safety after i cut it up to lighten it?

Thinking adding roll bars or something.
 
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bpcaddy said:
For my senior project i plan on litening a vw rabbit car. 1981.

Any software that i could uuse to model the care and provide great data on how i could improve the safety after i cut it up to lighten it?

Thinking adding roll bars or something.
Welcome to the PF.

An FEA analysis of crash testing would seem to be quite involved. I'm sure the big auto makers use some type of software for this, but it's likely proprietary.

Have you used FEA software in your ME studies? Which package? I'd think that you could model some of the individual pieces that you are considering lightening, in order to get an idea of the tradeoff of strength versus weight. Are you lightning only by drilling/milling material off, or are you substituting some parts with other materials too?
 

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