MSc Coursework · 2025
B-Pillar Structural Design Study
A Toyota Camry-focused coursework study exploring B-pillar geometry changes through CAD modelling and ANSYS finite element analysis. The project examines structural response relevant to side-impact design, rather than demonstrating a validated improvement in occupant safety.
Project at a Glance
- Approach
- Baseline and modified geometries compared under a documented 10,000 N lateral load.
- Key Finding
- Reported maximum deformation rises from about 60.7 to 66.2 mm; improved crashworthiness is not established.
- Tools
- SolidWorks / ANSYS coursework · Meshing · Structural comparison
- Evidence
- Original coursework geometry images and reported outputs; CAD and solver files require recovery.
Objective
Explore how changes to B-pillar geometry and thickness affect the calculated structural response under an assigned lateral load, and assess the evidence needed to support a crashworthiness conclusion.
My Contribution
The coursework documents baseline and modified CAD models, finite element meshes and ANSYS deformation, stress and strain outputs. I compared these outputs, reviewed relevant literature and discussed proposed design changes and model limitations.
Modelling Approach
The report describes SolidWorks geometry preparation and ANSYS analysis with a 10,000 N lateral load. It reports a baseline mesh of 20,701 nodes and 10,054 elements, alongside a mesh-sensitivity comparison. The documented load-based structural analysis should not be treated as a reproduced full-vehicle dynamic barrier crash test.
Design Changes
The redesign explored through-holes, geometric changes and local thickness increases. These changes were intended to influence the load path and deformation pattern. Their effects on mass, manufacturability, fatigue and failure would need additional assessment.
Reported Comparison
The report gives maximum total deformation of approximately 60.7 mm for the baseline and 66.2 mm for the redesign. The redesigned model therefore has a higher reported maximum deformation. These are values from the submitted coursework, not independently reproduced results. Increased stress or strain alone does not establish improved energy absorption or occupant protection.
Limits of the Evidence
The CAD and solver files are not available for independent reproduction. Material properties, units, boundary conditions, model dimensions and the comparability of the two geometries require review. The reported stress magnitudes and energy-absorption interpretation also need verification. Literature comparisons in the report do not constitute experimental validation of this model.
Further Development
A stronger follow-up would compare consistent baseline and modified geometries under identical constraints, verify mesh convergence and material behaviour, and document force-displacement response and absorbed energy. Dynamic impact modelling and suitable reference data would then be needed before drawing conclusions about crash performance or occupant injury.
Source: Optimization of the B-Pillar for Side Collisions to Improve Crashworthiness, Abdul Barek; submission date: 14 April 2025. Portfolio summary of academic modelling work. The original report is not offered as a public download pending technical review.