Fully-coupled Multi-Body Dynamics and Nonlinear Structural Analysis Applied to Automotive Dynamic Analysis

Steven Rennich

doi:10.4271/2010-01-0948

Both multi-body dynamics and finite element tools are widely and effectively used in automotive design. These tools have typically been augmented with numerous custom extensions which greatly enhance their utility. The capability of such tools has considerable overlap in such areas as mechanical joints, contact detection, and, of most interest here, linear (modal) structural analysis. By contrast, nonlinear structural effects, particularly large deformations, remain the domain of the nonlinear structural analysis tools. Such effects cannot easily be included when using multi-body dynamics analysis tools.

Recently, a novel approach has been described through which existing, mature analysis codes can be combined into a single analysis tool that continues to leverage all of the validation, existing models and extensions of the component analysis codes. As a demonstration of this approach, MSC's MD Adams™ (Adams), a multi-body dynamics code, and MD.Nastran/Sol(400)™ (Nastran), a nonlinear structural analysis code, have been integrated.

This paper describes the use of such an integrated analysis tool to perform a dynamic analysis of a twist-beam type automotive rear suspension. The results will be compared to those generated from the same model using only the existing linear (modal) structural analysis capability of the multi-body dynamics analysis code.

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Fully-coupled Multi-Body Dynamics and Nonlinear Structural Analysis Applied to Automotive Dynamic Analysis 2010-01-0948

SAE MOBILUS