Use of Computational Tools for Structural Analysis and Design Modification of Automobile Seat-Rail Structures under Various Operating Conditions

This paper is based on, and in continuation of the work previously published in other conferences [1, 2]. This applied research is concerned with a study of an example automotive seating rail structure. Seat structures, one of the key components, as they withstand the weight of passenger, holds the seating foams and other assembled important components such as side airbag and seatbelt systems. The entire seating assembly is supported firmly and attached to the bottom bodywork of the vehicle through the linkage assembly called the seat rails. These seat rails are adjustable in their longitudinal motion (front and back) which plays an important role in giving the passengers enough leg room to make them feel comfortable. Therefore, seat rails under the various operating conditions, should be able to withstand the complete weight of the human with the seating structures, other assembled parts into the seating, and satisfy functional requirements such as crash safety to avoid or to minimize injuries to the occupants. Keeping the above requirements in view, the goal of this work is to perform studies on the seat rails under different operating conditions through a detailed investigation using SolidWorks CAE simulation tool for structural and vibration (dynamic) analyses with durability using different grades of steel, aluminum, and multi-materials. Based on these studies a slightly modified design of the seat rail structure is proposed. The modified design is anticipated to increase the fatigue life, decrease the damage percentage, increase the resonant frequencies, factor of safety, and increase the amount of absorbed crush energy. Preliminary buckling studies are also performed. Real life experimentation is not carried out in this work. Effective usage of CAD modeling application and analysis techniques are the final learning outcomes of this research and for better understanding to utilize the appropriate analysis features of the chosen CAE tools, considering the example with the design modifications of seat rail structures.