Suspension Analysis using MSC Adams

The analysis of the suspension characteristics of the DICV NR-XIII was carried out on MSC
Adams to verify the expected behaviour of the car according to the design. The accuracy of
this analysis was validated using Lotus Shark.

Process flow of analysis on MSC Adams:

Obtain
Template

Opening
Database

Download of template from MSC Knowledge base

Obtaining database: fsae_2008r1_MDR3.cdb

Addition of obtained database to current session

The front suspension assembly is loaded from the database

Front
Suspensio Disabling of anti roll bar aspect of assembly
n

Hard
points

Setting of origin
Adjusting of hardpoints from the table view

Wheel base: 1600 mm

Setting Sprung mass: 270 kg
Suspensio Wheel mass: 10 kg
n
Brake ratio: 65%
parameter
Drive Ratio: 100%
s
Setting
toe and
camber

Camber: -1 degrees
Toe:
0 degrees

Spring

Tire Data

Parallel
Wheel
Travel
Analysis

Animation

Plot Spring characteristic curve

Set preload
Enter tire stiffness and unloaded radius
Alternatively load property file
Setting up analysis parameters
Bump:
27 mm
Rebound: 27mm
Verification of expected behaviour

Loading of required analysis log files

Post
processin Creating plots
g

Plots

Loading of Plot configuratin file from shared directory

Interpretation of obtained graphs

The above process is repeated for the rear suspension and the graphs are obtained.

Front Suspension:
Model Created (MSC Adams):

Isometric Front View

Front View

Hard points Table:

Suspension Parameters:

Animation of Simulation:

Analysis Parameters:

Graphs Obtained:
Camber vs Wheel travel:

Toe angle vs Wheel Travel:

Caster vs Wheel Travel:

Validation (Lotus Shark):

Model:

Graphs:
Camber vs Wheel Travel:

Toe Angle vs Wheel Travel:

Caster vs Wheel Travel:

Rear Suspension
Model Created (MSC Adams):

Front isometric view

Front view

Hardpoints Table:

Suspension Parameters:

Animation of Simulation:

Analysis Parameters:

Graphs Obtained:
Camber vs Wheel Travel:

Toe angle vs Wheel Travel:

Validation (Lotus Shark):

Model:

Graphs:
Camber vs Wheel travel:

Toe Angle vs Wheel Travel:

Comment on Graphs obtained:

Parallel wheel travel analysis was performed on the front and rear suspension for
three values of brake ratios : 55 60 65. As expected, brake ratio did not affect the variation
of the suspension characteristics, witnessed by the overlapping graphs obtained.
The suspension behaves as expected and meets the expectations set during the
design stage. Thus the design can be promoted to the manufacturing stage.

Conclusion:

Parallel wheel travel analysis was done for the proposed design on MSC Adams using
the bump and rebound values for which the suspension is designed. The accuracy of this
analysis was validated by performing the same on Lotus Shark. The above designs for the
front and rear suspensions meet the design criteria and can be incorporated into the final
vehicle.

Credits:

Dayasagar
Jim Harris
Rakshith
Prajwal MP