Using the response surface methodology and the D-optimality criterion in crashworthiness related problems

The aim of this paper is to determine the efficient number of experimental points when using the response surface methodology in crashworthiness problems. The D-optimality criterion is used as experimental design method. Two application models have been studied, one square tube and one front rail from Saab Automobile AB. Both models were fully parameterized in the preprocessor LS-INGRID but only two design variables were used. The optimization package LS-OPT was used to determine the design of experiments using the D-optimality criterion. Both models were subjected to an impact into a rigid wall and the simulations were carried out using LS-DYNA. A general recommendation is to to use 1.5 times the minimum number of experimental points. A more specialized recommendation is for linear surfaces 1.5, elliptic surfaces 2.2 and for quadratic surfaces 1.6 times the minimum number of experimental points.