Abstract: A virtual matching method based on finite element simulation in automotive panel is proposed. In the virtual environment of finite element analysis, the rapid assembly analysis on models of automotive panels, connectors and external sample rack is performed, and the deformation prediction of automotive panel is obtained. The sensitivity of the adjustable parts is analyzed to gain the adjustment strategy of reference point zeroing, and the sample point position data are extracted to judge the matching quality of automotive panel. An application example of automobile hood assembly is used to verify the proposed method. And the simulation data and test data of sample points are compared. It is concluded that the simulation data are nearly consistent with the test data. The maximum deviation is less than 0.6mm. The results show that the proposed method is feasible and effective to verify that the automobile panel meets the requirements of body assembly.

Key words: automotive panel; reference positioning system; reference point zeroing; virtual matching; finite element analysis; automotive hood