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.

SIMULIA provides realistic simulation solutions—such as our Abaqus Unified FEA product suite, Multiphysics, simulation automation and optimization capabilities, and SLM products—that address these and many other engineering challenges. Our state-of-the-art integrated software solutions help customers realize 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
• Simulation process automation
• Design optimization