Mechanisms

Mechanisms are prevalent in vehicles, and proper subsystem- and system-level analysis of a vehicle requires properly accounting for complex mechanism behavior. Examples include window lifts, door locks, steering and suspension sub-systems, seats, hoods and trunk closures, and windshield wiper systems.

The Abaqus Unified FEA product suite is used across a variety of automotive applications to capture mechanisms behavior. Customers routinely use our software to analyze suspension systems, powertrain, door handles and locks, seat systems, and even convertible roof systems. The integration of mechanisms with a general FEA code allows users to include both linear and nonlinear effects in these analyses, including plasticity and complex elastomer behavior.

Solution Capabilities

• Connector elements for representing sophisticated mechanisms and kinematics integrated into an FEA code
• Static and dynamic substructures which allow linear responses for low-strain components, but which are readily incorporated into nonlinear systems
• Metal plasticity for understanding manufacturing effects, press-fit effects, and studying component maximum loading conditions
• Rubber material models for representing bushings, stops, and rubber mounts
• Nonlinear statics and explicit analyses in one analysis package to allow common models and processes across all chassis disciplines