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.