Section Modulus calculation and optimization
Aim - To find the section modulus of the hood and optimisation to improve the overall section modulus.
Section Modulus -
The section modulus (S) is geometry property of the cross section used for designing beams and flexural members. It does not represent anything physically.
Formula of section Modulus -
It may be defined as the ratio of total moment resisted by the section to the stress in the extreme fibre which is equal to yield stress.
Therefore
S=I/y,
Where
S= Section modulus (mm^3)
I = Moment of inertia of the section to the stress in the extreme end of the object (mm^4)
Y= Distance between the neutral axis and extreme end of the object (mm).
Area Moment of Inertia -
The area moment of inertia of a beam cross section area measures the beam ability to resist bending. The larger the moment of inertia less will be the bend.
Neutral Axis -
When beam is subjected to pure bending the top most fibres of the beam are subjected to maximum compression, while the bottom most fibre of the beams are subjected to maximum tension.
Calculations -
Case 1 -
I (MAX) = 8.838734721e+07 (mm^4)
I (MIN) = 2.467600180e+05 (mm^4)
As per the section modulus equation,
S = I/Y
I = MOI (min) Value is considered
Y = Total distance / 2, Total distance = 877.2 mm
Y = 877.2 / 2
= 438.6 mm
Therefore, S = 246760.018 mm^4 /438.6 mm
S = 562.6083 mm^3
Case 2 - After Optimization
The hood inner panel’s curve is offset by 0.5mm outwards and section inertia analysis is done same as case 1 for a closed curve.
I (MAX) = 8.978101152e+07 (mm^4)
I (MIN) = 2.572750199+05 (mm^4)
As per the section modulus equation,
S = I/Y
I = MOI (min) Value is considered
Y = Total distance / 2, Total distance = 877.2 mm
Y = 877.2 / 2
= 438.6 mm
Therefore, S = 257250.018 mm^4 /438.6 mm
S = 580.6083 mm^3
Conclusion -
- The section modulus value of case 2 is higher than the case 1
- As we increase the section area, the moment of inertia & section modulus increase which means strength and load material also increase. Which the moment of inertia directly proportional to the strength of the material.