Section Modulus calculation and optimization

Aim: To Calculate and Optimize the section modulus of the automotive hood which was designed according to the engineering standards earlier.

Introduction:

Section modulus is a geometric property of the cross section, this kind of analysis is done basically to check the material can withstand the force exerted by some source on it. Section modulus can be increased by increasing the area of cross section which means directly proportional.

Section modulus has been categorised into two types:

1. Elastic section modulus.

2. Plastic section modulus.

The elastic section modulus is used, applying up to the yield point for most metals and other common materials.

The plastic section modulus is used for materials where elastic yielding is acceptable and plastic behavior is assumed to be an acceptable limit.

Section modulus is calculated by using the formula:

S = I/Y.

Where, S = Section Modulus.

I = Moment of Inertia.

y = distance between the neutral axis and the extreme end of the object.

Analysis & Results:

Case 1:

From the designed hood the section modulus is:

I = 145666.42321mm^4.

Y = 440.5365193877mm.

S = 33.065mm^3.

Case 2:

The area of cross section of the designed hood has increased to 0.2mm, the section modulus of optimized hood is:

I = 14887.90349mm^4.

Y = 440.5365193877mm.

S = 33.794mm^3.

Conclusion:

From the above two cases it is cleary observed that by changing the minimal area of cross section the section modulus has been increases in the optimized hood therefore the section modulus is directly proportional to the area of the cross section.