Abstract: The sinking resistance of double curvature auto - body panels is researched in experiment as well as theory. On the basis of shallow shell theory and by means of nonlinear finite element method, the calculation formulae on the basic stiffness parameter of the panels and the relationship between load and deflection in the large displacement range are established, and further, the corresponding quantitatively evaluating method and checking criteria are proposed, which are proved to be in agreement with the experiment. The above - mentioned evaluating parameters can provide a quantitative prediction and comprehensive description on the sinking resistance of double curvature panels in the optimization of design, selection of materials and forming processes for auto - body panels.

Key words: Auto - body panel Double curvature shallow shell Sinking resistance Press forming