Simulation gets superbikes ready for the street faster

“For the launch of our new Superbike RC8, which will be available in the spring of 2008, we are using Abaqus software to evaluate thermal behaviour, noise and vibration, structural performance of assemblies, and stress-based fatigue,” says Gunther Hager, R&D team leader, Engine Structural Analysis, KTM Sportmotorcycle. “This integrated simulation process gives us a better understanding of the physical behaviour of our products during the design phase.” He says the company has been using the Abaqus software for all applications in engine and chassis development for example, analysing the stiffness and flexibility of vehicle frames and engine systems, including gaskets, pistons and headblocks. KTM is also using AVL Excite, which harnesses Abaqus to study crankshaft dynamics that influence noise and vibration. “With our ready-to-race philosophy, it is critical that our street motorcycles meet the performance expectations of our customers, without weight or quality penalties,” says Hager.