Virtual Prototype: A New Concept in the Development of Mechanical Projects

The present work carries out static and kinematical studies of front suspensions of a Brazilian medium sized passenger car. The concept of virtual prototyping with the use of multibody system modelling techniques is employed by ADAMS, a package developed by Mechanical Dynamics Inc.. The concept of virtual prototyping allows vehicle development without the need of physical prototype construction. ADAMS uses the description of the geometric suspension, inertia parameters from its parts and how the parts are connected to generate a full model of the system. The type of analysis which can carry out include vertical and steering behaviour (in the case of a front suspension). These analysis are generated in graphical as well as an animation. The results include among others: toe-in angle, camber and caster angle, ride rate, and so forth. The use of the virtual prototyping concept, has made easier the modelling and analysis of this type of mechanism. This indicates the possibility of shortening product development time or altering product behaviour with a small effort.