SIMBAUK -: A simulation tool for concept development of commercial vehicles

Ever shorter model cycles and a large, innovative range of models are the automobile manufacturers' response to customer wishes which are both individualistic and short-lived. The reduction of both development time and costs, made necessary in this context, is achieved by deploying computer aided simulation technology. The objective is to use efficient simulation tools to provide concept assurance at an early stage of the development of a vehicle in the sense of an optimised development strategy. The ability to test and optimise major product characteristics at the concept stage is an essential feature. The overall objective is the virtual vehicle, i.e. the entire functional representation of the vehicle prior to construction of the first prototype. In addition to comprehensive use of the finite-element method (FEM) calculations on structural rigidity, stability and crash behaviour, acoustics, etc, multi-body simulation (MBS) is becoming increasingly important at VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES. This contribution describes the structure of a modular simulation module, which, in its first stage combines multi-body simulation with ADAMS. Examples are given on the wide range of applications of this simulation module, the quality of statements and the time savings which can he made by deploying this tool effectively. Possibilities for expanding the tool will be demonstrated, as will current limitations. This will include the programs required for concept calculations such as driving performance / consumption, weights, structural design with linear and nan-linear FEM codes (NASTRAN, ABAQUS) etc. with access to a common database.