A Systematic Approach to Vehicle Design Using VDAS (Vehicle Dynamics Analysis Software)

A comprehensive and systematic approach to vehicle dynamics analysis is described. All the commonly required calculations for vehicle dynamics studies have been embodied in a computer package called VDAS (Vehicle Dynamics Analysis Software). Examples taken from off-road vehicle applications are chosen to show how this particular class of dynamics problem can be tackled efficiently using this package.

In addition to the standard range of calculations for vehicle ride and handling behaviour, e.g. natural frequencies, mode shapes, frequency responses, power spectral densities, steady state handling diagrams etc., the package incorporates more advanced features including derivation of control laws for active/semi-active suspension applications and sensitivity analysis to assist design studies.

The VDAS package currently contains a range of ride and handling models of varying degrees of complexity, suitable for vehicle analysis. Further models can easily be added and a front-end processor has been developed for automating the derivation of new models.