Analysis of Vehicle Suspensions with Static and Dynamic Computer Simulations

Two types of computer simulations are used extensively by Chevrolet to analyze vehicle suspension systems. The first is a nonlinear static analysis and the second is a linear dynamic analysis. These simulations are used to help evaluate proposed suspension designs for loads, dynamic force transmissibility, and various ride and handling characteristics well before prototype hardware is built and tested. Load outputs from these simulations are input to finite element models to analyse stresses in frames, control arms, and other related vehicle components of interest.