Chassis

Modern chassis and suspension engineering requires evaluations and tradeoffs across a wide range of disciplines. Packaging, mass, and component reuse are only a few of the design constraints facing modern vehicle chassis and suspension engineers. Up-front design validation is critical in order to minimize cost and maximize efficiencies. Chassis analysis requires a multidisciplinary approach to engineering, including component vibration, fatigue evaluation, peak loads evaluation, and kinematic behavior. Engineers need a robust, integrated analysis toolset to assure success in this field.

The Abaqus Unified FEA product suite from SIMULIA is a state-of-the-art integrated software package for realizing all aspects of chassis analysis. Studies can range from chassis stiffness and strength to detailed bushing evaluations and complex actuated sub-systems that incorporate complex mechanisms. Users can study linear, nonlinear, and transient dynamics load cases using one tool, and often using the same engineering model.

Solution Capabilities

• Fully integrated linear and nonlinear solvers to study component NVH, fatigue, peak static loads, and even severe transient loads such as curb hits and max potholes
• Nonlinear metal material models to represent low-strain plasticity and high-strain plasticity including failure
• Robust contact, including press-fitting, for accurate representation of the component manufacturing effects on the engineering answers
• Connector elements to represent mechanisms and connections such as bushings, springs, shocks, and ball joints
• Advanced rubber material models for accurate, detailed evaluation of bushings and stoppers