ADAMS, SIMULINK, and ADAMS-SIMULINK co-simulation models of component test systems, Multi-Axis-Simulation-Table (MAST) systems, and spindle-coupled vehicle testing system (MTS 329) were created. In the ADAMS models, the mechanical parts, joints, and bushings were modeled. Hydraulic and control elements were absent. The SIMULINK models modeled control and hydraulic elements including actuator dynamics, servo valve dynamics, closed loop control, three-variable control, matrix control, and coordinate transformation. However, the specimen had to be simplified due to the limitation of SIMULINK software. The ADAMS-SIMULINK co-simulation models considered hydraulic and control components in the SIMULINK portion and mechanical components in ADAMS portion. The interaction between the ADAMS and SIMULINK portions was achieved using ADAMS/Control.
The test rig models were used to simulate multiple durability test events of one particular vehicle design through Remote Parameter Control (RPC) iteration method. By comparing virtual and physical testing results, the deficiencies of the vehicle models were found and corrected resulting in far more realistic vehicles model. Component load time histories were extracted from the virtual testing result. Based upon the component load time histories, different component test generation methods were used to create component tests.
More virtual to physical testing correlation study is planned for the upcoming project.