A computational procedure for non-linear dynamic analysis of vehicles

In the research and design of vehicles, the accurate simulation of their dynamic behaviour is often of interest. Therefore, on the one hand, the non-linear properties of suspensions and tyres may not be neglected. On the other hand, the application of large mechanical models is necessary in order to get correct information about the local dynamic behaviour of critical parts or elements of vehicles. With regard to these requirements, in this paper, a special computational procedure is presented for the non-linear dynamic analysis of vehicles using large finite element models. Correctness, in comparison to COSMOS/M commercial finite element program, and applicability of the presented procedure is shown by the use of a bus finite element model containing 2214 degrees of freedom.