Effect of endcap type in beltline outer using finite element analysis

Abstract

Each vehicle has a different beltline outer (BLO) system mainly focuses at the endcap. The endcap at the BLO will tend to detach after the usage of 3 months. The BLO is important in terms of protecting the car from certain effects. Those effects are wind, heard from inside of the car during high speed moving, and water infiltrate into cabin during heavy raining. The sound can affect the driver’s mood while driving and the infiltrated water will damage the electronic parts at the door panel. One common material used for BLO is thermoplastic olefin (TPO). The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of air resistance angle towards the endcap of BLO. This study concerns on the resulting stress distributions and total displacement. BLO of Proton Perdana model was drafted using Solidwork 2013 software to develop the finite element model for the endcap thus run through Abaqus 6.12 simulation software. In conclusion, the results will be a guideline for other studies in improving the mechanical strength and durability of the endcap to hold its position at the