The durability peak load events Driving over a curb and Skid against a curb have been simulated in Adams for a Volvo S80. Simulated responses in the front wheel suspension have been validated by comparison with measurements. Due to the extreme nature of the peak load events, the component modeling is absolutely critical for the accuracy of the simulations. All components have to be described within their full range of excitation. Key components and behaviors to model have been identified as tire with wheel strike-through, contacts between curb and tire and between curb and rim, flexibility of structural components, bump stops, bushings, shock absorbers, and camber stiffness of the suspension. Highly non-linear component responses are captured in Adams. However, since Adams only allows linear material response for flexible bodies, the proposed methods to simulate impact loads are only valid up to small, plastic strains. This paper discusses both the simulations as well as the modeling techniques adopted.
In order to secure and demonstrate the robustness of the CAE methods for the peak load cases, different event setups (such as different vehicle velocity and curb height) have been validated. The load simulations are used at Volvo Car Corporation (VCC) early in the development process and throughout the project to set component design loads, study different concepts, assess various chassis settings, perform relative studies, and to optimize wheel suspension characteristics to minimize the component impact loads.