Published Paper Details:

The B-pillar is one of the most important structural part of a vehicle designed to protect passengers during side impacts and rollover accidents. The B-pillar trim, which covers the pillar structure, adds both safety and aesthetic value by improving energy absorption and reducing injury risks in collisions. This research focuses on the study, design, and optimization of B-pillar trims using composite materials for vehicles across different segments. The B-pillar trim acts as a protective and aesthetic cover over the structural B-pillar. It prevents direct contact with the metal surface, enhances passenger comfort, safety and contributes to energy absorption during side impacts, improving overall safety. B -pillar trims are used in all types of vehicles from entry-level hatchbacks to premium SUVs and luxury sedans. cars use cost-effective polymer-based trims, mid and high-segment vehicles often use fiber-reinforced composite trims for improved strength and appearance. After a collision, the B-pillar trim experience stress such as compression. Compression test is performed on a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) to measure the mechanical strength and stiffness of the B-pillar trim. These tests help validate Finite Element Analysis results with experimental data. Conventional B-pillar trims made of polypropylene and similar materials often have poor load-bearing strength and low crash resistance. They may deform or fail to absorb energy effectively during side-impact collisions, reducing their protective capability. This research presents the use of E-glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforcements to enhance the strength, stiffness, and durability of B-pillar trims. These materials significantly improve impact resistance and reduce deformation while keeping the design lightweight. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to simulate real-world loading conditions on various B-pillar trim materials. The results showed that composite trims exhibit reduced deformation and higher stress resistance compared to conventional plastic trims. The experimental and simulation results confirm that composite-reinforced B-pillar trims greatly improve crash performance. Carbon fiber composites showed the highest strength (5027.7 N), followed by E-glass fiber (2167.2 N), compared to the original polypropylene trim (460.44 N). The study concludes that using composite materials makes vehicles safer and more fuel-efficient due to weight reduction and enhanced structural integrity.