Section Modulus calculation and optimization
Section modulus in simple terms refers to the strength of the component. It is a geometric property for a given cross-section that is used in the design of beams or flexural members. Its unit is cubic millimetres or cubic centimetres or cubic metres.
It is defined by S=I/Y, where I- second or area moment of inertia and Y- distance from neutral axis to the outermost boundary.
For a hood, a higher Section modulus indicates that it has more strength to withstand the force exerted, for instance the force exerted in the event of vehicle collision. From the calculations performed for section modulus, always the minimum value of the section modulus is considered since that is the threshold point where the component starts failing when an external force is applied to it.
Result of the challenge:
The section from the hood has been taken and section ineria analysis was done. The values of max. and min. area moment of inertia found are 9.306492014e+06 mm^4 and 3.057761147e+04 mm^4 respectively. The distance from the neutral axis to the outermost boundary is 438.4723 mm.
The min. value of area moment of inertia is being considered as this is the threshold where the hood starts failing in the event of an external force acting on it, for instance a vehicle collision. The following figures show the section, inertia values and distance Y. 
Thus, the section modulus is, S= I/Y= 3.057761147e+04 mm^4 / 438.4723 mm= 69.783 mm^3
A new section was made out from the actual hood section. Changes were made in the positioning of the various edges of the actual hood section resulting in an increase in distances between neutral axis and outermost edge and also that between outer and inner panel.
There has been a decrease in maximum area moment of inertia but an increase in the minimum area moment of inertia which is basically considered for hood section modulus calculation.
The values of max. and min. area moment of inertia found are 5.232378427e+06 mm^4 and 1.332285150e+05 mm^4 respectively. The distance from the neutral axis to the outermost boundary is 1045.8304 mm.
The following figures show the section, inertia values and distance Y. 
Similar to the section modulus calculated for the actual hood section, minimum value of area moment of inertia is being considered for calculating the section modulus of the new hood section as well.
Thus, the section modulus is, S= I/Y= 1.332285150e+05 mm^4 / 1045.8304 mm = 127.39 mm^3
Therefore, by changing the cross-section of the hood section, an increase in the section modulus is oberved which will result in offering an increased strength to the hood.