Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introducing Adams/Chassis
Introducing Adams/Chassis 3
Overview
Overview
This chapter contains the basics of the Adams/Chassis analysis environment and introduces the tutorials
found in later chapters:
• About Adams/Chassis
...
• What You Will Learn
• Starting Adams/Chassis
• Familiarizing Yourself with Adams/Chassis
4 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
About Adams/Chassis
About Adams/Chassis
Adams/Chassis provides a complete analysis environment for automotive Adams analysis. It does this
by providing standard model types, two analysis types, and post-processing. You run Adams/Chassis in
conjunction with Adams/Solver and Adams/PostProcessor.
Adams/Chassis comes with many standard suspensions such as:
• Short-long arm
• MacPherson
• Hotchkiss
• 4 Link
• Quadralink
Using Adams/Chassis, you can perform the following types of analyses, also referred to as events:
• Half-vehicle analyses - During half-vehicle analyses you examine the behavior of suspensions.
Half-vehicle analyses include:
• Ride motion
• Roll motion
• Steering
• Compliance
• Full-vehicle analyses - During full-vehicle analyses you examine the behavior of complete
vehicles. Full-vehicle analyses include:
• Step steer
• Frequency response
• Oncenter handling
• Constant radius
The majority of these standard events come with standard postprocessing; that is, plots or reports or both.
Adams/Chassis also helps you with the virtual prototyping process by:
• Substituting rigid bodies with flexible bodies through Adams/Chassis Makeflex and
Adams/Flex.
• Modeling complex leaf spring interactions with Adams/Chassis Makeleaf.
• Using Adams/SmartDriver to learn how to best drive a course.
Introducing Adams/Chassis 5
What You Will Learn
Starting Adams/Chassis
In this section you learn how to start Adams/Chassis in the UNIX and the Windows environment. You
must run Adams/Chassis in a directory to which you have write permissions. The example models in the
installation are always write protected. You must use Database Utilities to copy the example model from
the installation directory to your working directory. Database utilities automatically changes the
permission for you so that the files can be overwritten.
Treeview
Property Editor
Build
The Build mode allows you to edit model data and change system configuration. You can also work on
multiple models at once. The Build mode is the default for starting Adams/Chassis.
Test
The Test mode allows you to build and run your model.
Review
The Review mode allows you to visualize analysis results using Adams/PostProcessor. You can
postprocess the output of standard Adams/Chassis events. Postprocessing has two formats: reports and
plots. A majory of standard Adams/Chassis events have either a report, a plot, or both. You can also create
an animation of your event.
Improve
The Improve mode allows you to refine models with Adams/Insight. Here you can use the features from
Adams/Insight to create sophisticated experiments for measuring the performance of your model. It also
provides a collection of statistical tools for analyzing the results of your experiments so that you can
better understand how to refine and improve your model.
The following figures show the toolbars that are available in each work mode:
Bookshelf
Treeview
12 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
Learning About Preferences
To set preferences:
1. From the Edit menu, select Preferences.
The Preferences window appears.
2. In the Preferences window, select the Find tool next to Current Working Directory.
The Browse for Folder window appears.
3. Select a current working directory from the list, and then select OK.
4. In the Preferences window, make sure that a text editor is present for Text Editor Command.
5. Optionally, enter a Graphical Difference Command to launch a graphical differencing tool such
as SGI/usr/sbin/gdiff or freeware tool, ExamDiff for Windows.
6. In the Preferences window, select the Find tool next to Temporary Files Directory.
7. Select a directory from the Browse for Folder window, and then select OK.
Note: This directory must already exist and the directory path must not contain spaces.
Overview
In this chapter you complete a build-run-modify-compare analysis cycle. Adams/Chassis has been
developed to make this process as quick and easy as possible.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Copying Example Vehicle Database
• Registering a Database
• Selecting a Vehicle System File
• Running an Analysis
• Animating a Model
• Plotting Analysis Results
• Running an Analysis with Alignment
• Comparing Results
To copy a database:
1. In the Build mode, from the Utilities menu, select Database Utilities.
The Database Utilities window appears.
2. In the Copy Database tab, select the Find tool .
The Select .vdb Directory to Copy window appears.
3. In the Select .vdb Directory to Copy window, select achassis_gs.vdb, and then select OK.
4. In the Database Utilities window, select Copy Database to Working Directory.
Adams/Chassis copies the achassis_gs example database to your working directory.
5. At the prompt, select OK.
6. Close the Database Utilities window.
4 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
Registering a Database
Registering a Database
You can reference multiple registered databases for access. Databases are registered in
the Preferences window. Here you register achassis_gs.vdb.
To register a database:
1. From the Edit menu, select Preferences.
2. In the Database Registration section, select Add New.
3. Select achassis_gs.vdb from your working directory, and then select Ok.
4. Select Save to save these settings.
Working with Half-Suspension Models 5
Selecting a Vehicle System File
Running an Analysis
You now run an analysis on the front suspension to exercise the left and right wheel centers 20 mm into
jounce, then 20 mm into rebound.
To run an analysis:
1. From the main toolbar, select the Test mode .
2. In the bookshelf, expand Suspension.
3. Double-click Front Ride Motion.
You will see that the event, achassis_gs_front_sys_fride has been added to the
fingerprint tree and displayed in the property editor.
Animating a Model
You animate the model to see the effects of the analysis, to check that your model is being assembled as
you like, and to check model geometry.
3. To review the different plot pages, in the treeview on the left, click each page.
4. From the File menu, select Exit.
Adams/PostProcessor asks you if you want to save the plots.
5. Select Exit, don’t save.
10 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
Running an Analysis with Alignment
Comparing Results
In this section, you compare the results of the two analyses you ran.
To compare results:
1. From the toolbar, select the Review mode .
Note that both analyses appear in the fingerprint tree.
2. Shift-click to select both analyses in the fingerprint tree.
3. Verify that Overlay Plots/Reports of Same Events is checked.
This option overlays the plot data for the two analyses so you can easily compare results.
4. Select Execute Selected Plots .
Adams/PostProcessor displays two curves in every plot, similar to the figure below.
Overview
In this chapter, you modify model components to analyze the effects of design changes. You will modify
tie-rod geometry and bushing stiffness.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Inspecting Data Elements
• Analyzing the Effect of Changes to Tie-Rod Geometry
• Running a Compliance Analysis
• Analyzing the Effect of Changes to Bushing Stiffness
Note: These changes will only be in effect during this session since you are not saving the system
file.
Running an Analysis
You now run an analysis on the modified tie rod to assess the effect of the changes to its geometry.
To run an analysis:
1. From the toolbar, select Test mode.
2. In the bookshelf, double-click Front Ride Motion.
3. In the property editor, select Front Auto-Alignment and set the following:
4. Total Toe to 0.1
5. Avg. Caster to 4.0
6. Avg. Camber to -0.5
Analyzing the Effect of Design Changes 5
Analyzing the Effect of Changes to Tie-Rod Geometry
Running an Analysis
In this analysis you will model a series of loads applied to the suspension. This will enable you to
calculate various suspension compliances.
To run an analysis:
1. Make sure that fingerprint_2 is selected in the treeview.
2. In the bookshelf, expand Suspension.
3. From the list in the bookshelf, double-click Front Compliance.
4. In fingerprint_2, select achassis_gs_front_sys_fcomp.
5. Select the Build and Run Selected Events tool.
6. When the analysis is complete, close the window.
5. After the suspension goes through a complete animation, select the Pause tool.
6. Exit Adams/PostProcessor and return to Adams/Chassis.
Creating a Report
You can create a report for the front compliance analysis. The analysis consisted of several 2-second
subevents where forces were applied at various points and in various directions on the wheel. The report
tabulates the results of the subevents and calculates different front wheel compliances.
To create a report:
1. In the Review mode, verify that Reports is selected.
2. Select Execute Selected Reports tool .
Adams/Chassis creates the report and opens it in your default text editor.
3. After viewing the report, exit the report window.
Running an Analysis
To run the analysis:
1. From the toolbar, select the Test mode.
2. Double-click Front Compliance to add a new event to the fingerprint.
3. Select Build and Run Selected Events.
Overview
In this chapter, you work with a full-vehicle model and perform full-vehicle analyses.
This chapter contains the following sections:
• Setting Up a Full-Vehicle Model
• Performing a Swept Steer Analysis
• Performing a Constant Radius Analysis
• Reviewing the Effects of the Tie-Rod Geometry Change
• Optimizing Full-Vehicle Handling
Note: The constant radius event turns bold in the treeview to indicate that changes have been
made.
3. Select the constant radius event in the treeview and then Build and Run Selected Events.
4. When the event is complete, close the command window.
Creating a Report
You now create a report to view the numerical results of the analysis. You can use numerical results in
optimization and design sensitivity studies.
To create a report:
1. In the Review mode, make sure that the correct fingerprint is selected in the treeview.
2. Verify that Reports is selected.
6 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
Performing a Constant Radius Analysis
Performing an Analysis
You create a new event, modify the turn radius, and run another analysis. You later compare this analysis
to the analysis you performed in Performing a Constant Radius Analysis.
To perform an analysis:
1. Select the Build mode.
2. In the treeview, select the front suspension.
3. In the property editor, select the Hardpoints tab.
4. Select tierod_outer, and in the Left-Z column, enter 548.
5. Select the Test mode.
6. In the bookshelf, double-click Constant Radius.
7. Enter 60.0 for Turn radius.
8. Make sure the constant radius event is selected in the treeview, and then Build and Run Selected
Events.
9. When the event is complete, close the command window.
5. Return to Adams/Chassis.
Comparing Reports
To look at the numerical data associated with the analyses, you generate a second report and compare it
to the one you generated in Creating a Report.
To compare reports:
1. Create a report for the second constant radius event.
2. In the property editor, make sure that Overlay Plots/Reports of Same Events is checked.
3. Compare the two reports (achassis_gs_full_sys_cnrd and
achassis_gs_full_sys_cnrd_2).
The front roll steer in the second report is less than the roll steer in the first report. Roll steer is
approximately toe change versus roll angle, and because the tie-rod geometry modification caused
a more vertical toe curve, the roll steer has been reduced. Consequently, the understeer gradient
is also reduced.
10 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
Optimizing Full-Vehicle Handling
Overview
Adams/Chassis supports two types of leaf springs: SAE 3-link and beam element. This chapter
introduces you to the different types of leaf springs and contains two tutorials for modeling leaf springs
in Adams/Chassis.
• Working with SAE 3-Link Leaf Springs
• Working with Beam Element Leaf Springs
Working with Leaf Springs 3
Working with SAE 3-Link Leaf Springs
Running an Analysis
To run an analysis:
1. Select the Test mode.
2. In the bookshelf, expand Suspension, and the double-click Rear Ride Motion.
3. Select the rear ride motion event in the treeview, and then Build and Run Selected Events.
4. When the event is complete, close the command window.
The following is a flowchart that shows how to generate a model containing beam element leaf springs.
The tutorial, Beam Element Leaf Spring Model Tutorial, runs you through the steps needed to generate
the model in Adams/Chassis.
Working with Leaf Springs 9
Working with Beam Element Leaf Springs
Gather Data
Measure the leaf spring geometry in the
free position.
Generate Model
Run Leaf Preprocessor to exercise leaf
model to design position.
Figure 16 Flowchart for Working with Beam Element Leaf Spring Models
• Leaf Eyehook
• Bushing
• Leaf Profile
Axle
For the axle, you can specify:
• Extra mass on dummy axle - The extra mass used to assemble the spring pack and connect it to
the axle.
• Reference marker to leafpack -The z height of the reference marker for the axle with respect to
the coordinate system used to define the profiles.
• Axle mount type - Either underslung or overslung, as shown in the following figure. If the
leaves are mounted above the axle, it is overslung. If the leaves are mounted below the axle, it is
underslung.
• Front and rear inactive lengths - Sections of the leaf spring regarded as rigid near the point
x=0.0.
• Reference marker height at design load - The z height of reference marker used to stop the
simulation. Once the axle reaches this point, it is at design load.
Working with Leaf Springs 11
Working with Beam Element Leaf Springs
Shackle
For the shackle, you can specify:
• Shackle length - The physical length of the shackle part, from eye center to eye center, specified
in millimeters.
• Shackle mass and inertia - The mass and inertial properties of the leaf spring shackle, in the
units shown.
• Shackle location - Whether the shackle is at the front or rear of the leaf spring pack.
• Shackle position - Whether the shackle is used in tension or compression. If the leaf eye is
below the shackle-to-body point, the link is in compression; if the leaf eye is above the shackle-
to-body point, the link is in tension.
Geometry
For geometry, you indicate points in space where the leaf springs will be constructed. Enter the x, y, and
z positions for both the front and rear chassis connection points. You must do this for both LEFT and
RIGHT springs.
You need another entry for the chassis contact points if you define an auxiliary leaf spring in the template.
This information is formatted such that it can be taken directly from the Adams/Chassis templates.
12 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
Working with Beam Element Leaf Springs
• Front leaf eye bushing - Corresponds to Points 1 and 2 in the subsystem file.
• Shackle to frame - Corresponds to Points 20 and 21 in the file.
Leaf Eyehook
For the leaf eyehook, you can specify:
• Front and rear eyehook inner diameter - Diameter of the inside of the eyehook.
• Front and rear eyehook shape - The shape of the eyehook, as shown below.
Bushing
For bushings, you specify the translational and rotational spring and damping rates. You can choose to
call the bushing spring rates from the subsystem file by turning on the flag in the lower right corner of
the Leaf Preprocessor. Calling the rate information from the subsystem file reduces bookkeeping, and
allows you to modify the bushings for variation studies.
The leaf-to-leaf bushings keep the leaves from moving laterally or twisting from each other. They should
have rather large values (~1.0 E+9 for translational rates and ~1.0 E+7 for rotational rates).
Leaf Profile
• Auxiliary leaf flag - Whether the leaf is defined as an auxiliary leaf (1) or not (0). The leaf flag
does not apply to Leaf 1, because Leaf 1 is always the leaf with eyehooks. The auxiliary leaf
should generally be the last leaf you specify. An auxiliary leaf is located on top of the leafpack
and, after the leaf spring has been compressed to a point, the auxiliary leaf contacts the chassis
and augments the spring pack.
• Z-offset - The sum of all previous leaf thickness and gap distances.
• Leaf length - The length of the front and rear sections of the leaf from the point x=0.0 defined in
the profile.
• # of elements (<=45) - The leaf being defined will be broken up into discrete sections, each of
which will be modeled using an Adams BEAM element (see the BEAM statement in the online
help for Adams/Solver.)
• Seat thickness and width - Thickness (z-direction) and width (y-direction) of the leaf being
defined at the point X=0.0.
• Emod, Gmod, density - Young’s modulus of elasticity (Emod), Shear modulus of elasticity
(Gmod), and density of leaf spring material. Used to define the beam statements and part masses.
Working with Leaf Springs 13
Working with Beam Element Leaf Springs
• ASY, ASZ - Correction factor for shear deflection in the y (ASY) and z (ASZ) directions,
according to Timoshenko beam theory.
• Damping ratio - The ratio for calculating the structural damping matrix for the Adams beam.
Adams/Solver multiplies the stiffness matrix by this value to obtain the damping matrix.
• X column - The position along the arc length of the spring, which is determined by flattening the
spring. Negative values are forward with respect to the vehicle.
• Z column - The curvature of the top of the spring at the points on the spring that correspond to x.
• Thickness column - The Thickness column defines the thickness of the leaf at each x value. The
column is flexible about the amount of data entered. You can define data only at desired points or
at all points. The only restriction is that you enter at least one value. Adams/Chassis processes
the data in the following way:
• Empty points between defined points are linearly interpolated.
• Empty points at the ends of the spring (outside of defined points) are held constant at the last
defined value.
• Number of contact points - Used to keep the leaves from passing through each other as they
deflect, in effect modeling the physical contact of the top of the current leaf with the bottom
surface of the one above it.
• Gap distance - The gap between the leaf and the one above it.
This tutorial builds upon the model you created in the tutorial earlier in this chapter, SAE 3-Link Leaf
Spring Model Tutorial. Therefore, be sure to run through that tutorial first.
4. Double-click the database to which you copied the example file, double-click springs.tbl, and
then select example.ltf.
Working with Leaf Springs 15
Working with Beam Element Leaf Springs
General properties
about the entire leaf
Information
about each Plot of
leaf in the leaf
spring
springs
Note: If you modify the leaf spring, you must save the data before you select GO.
5. To view a plot of each leaf in the file, select each of the leaf tabs in the lower portion of the
Preprocessor.
Adams/Chassis highlights the selected leaf in the plot to the right.
6. View the general information about the leaf spring by selecting each tab at the top of the
Preprocessor. For explanations of the information displayed in each of the tabs, see Viewing and
Editing Beam Element Leaf Springs.
Running Makeleaf
To implement the leaf spring into your Adams/Chassis model, you must first run the Leaf Spring
Preprocessor (Makeleaf). The Leaf Spring Preprocessor generates a file called example.py, which
contains the beam elements, parts, markers, and so on, needed to define the leaf spring in your model.
Note: The leaf spring processor can also be executed from the command line by issuing
the following command:
8. Select Save as along the bottom, and save your new rear subsystem file as
hotch_beam.xml.
9. Select Yes to update references in the system file.
To run an analysis:
1. Switch to the Test mode.
2. Double-click the Rear Ride Motion event.
3. Select Build and Run Selected Events.
4. When the analysis is complete, close the window.
Overview
This tutorial explains how to integrate a control system into your model. It uses the example of adding
an ABS controller to a brake model to improve the braking performance of the vehicle so that the wheels
do not lock up. It explains:
• About Adding Control Systems
• Loading Example Data Files
• Running an Open-Loop Braking Event
• Creating the Control System Utility
• Building and Running the Model with Control System Included
• Analyzing Effect of the Control System
To load files:
1. In the Build mode, from the Utilities menu, select Database Utilities.
The Database Utilities window appears.
2. In the Copy database tab, select the Find tool next to Database to Copy.
3. In the Browse for Folder window, select f_car.vdb, and then select OK.
4. The path is:
<adams_install_directory>\achassis\examples\vehicles\f_car.vdb.
5. Select Copy Database to Working Directory.
Adams/Chassis copies the f_car example database to your working directory.
6. Select OK at the prompt and then exit the Database Utilities window.
To change preferences:
1. From the Edit menu, select Preferences.
2. In the Preferences window, select Use Road Graphics.
3. Select Save.
4. Go to the Test mode.
Note: Control system inputs and outputs must be selected for them to appear in the subroutine's
parameter list.
The four outputs of the controller have now been selected. As with the inputs, the standard outputs
have default units and scale factors. You may have to modify the scale factor or add a user output
for different control systems. For user outputs, you must supply the variable ID, and customize
Adams/Chassis such that the variable is included in your model.
Note: For information on the format of control system libraries, see the Adams/Chassis online
help.
Your control system specification is now complete. You’ll now save it.
Note: In order for Adams/Chassis to compile and link the native ADAMS library, it must have
access to both the FORTRAN and C compilers. If the compile or link process fails, it may
be due to the fact that Adams/Chassis was launched from a command shell without the
proper compiler settings (on Windows, executing the batch file "ifortvars.bat" located in
the FORTRAN installation directory will set up the correct environment for the compilers).
For more information, refer to the hardware and software specifications included with your
installation instructions, and on the MSC Adams Product Support Page.
http://www.mscsoftware.com/products/adams_support.cfm
10 Getting Started Using Adams/Chassis
Analyzing Effect of the Control System