Investigation of aluminum alloy for lightweight outer hood panel of local compact SUV using finite element modeling

Traffic accidents are terrible scourge that occurs in many countries, for developing countries where transportation problems seem like a tangled yarn. Besides its function as an engine compartment cover, the hood of modern compact SUV can also help to manage the impact energy of pedestrian’s head in a vehicle-pedestrian impact. This paper presents a compact SUV’s outer hood design that has a potential to improve hood ability and also to absorb the impact energy of a pedestrian’s head. The developed methodology for the design of a hood configuration aims to provide a compatible design and stress distribution for the left side impact position at WAD 1000 with three different thicknesses (1.25 mm, 1.30 mm and 1.50 mm) of outer hood panel of local compact SUV, taking into consideration the limited space available for deformation. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) software was used in this research to simulate the ANCAP for child pedestrian head impact testing procedures. The results show that the minimum deformation space and meet the requirement for stress (von Mises) value are required to obtain a sturdy design. Moreover, the hood thickness and materials are the main factors that influence stress and deformation value. Finally, 1.25 thickness aluminum alloy is recommended for vehicle hood component and the pedestrian safety.