Ultra-fast dynamic suspension development via virtual manufacturing

Australian suspension manufacturer Kinetic Suspension Technology is using MSC software’s MSC.Adams/Car modelling and simulation tool to rapidly design and test its Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), due for introduction in Toyota and Lexus vehicles, including the new Lexus GX470. “We already use ADAMS as an integral part of our design process and are already capable of incorporating dynamic analysis into those designs,” says Andy van Kann the managing director of Kinetic Suspension Technology. “In a few months, our plan will see us being able to drive a virtual car, supplied to us by the vehicle manufacturer in MSC.Adams format, install our virtual Kinetic suspension developed by using MSC.Adams, and drive that car on a virtual road, taking virtual data acquisition from the virtual xyz accelerometers on the drivers seat – just to make sure that he is nice and comfortable.” And he adds: “In 1994 a prototype took 26 weeks to build, with major tuning iterations taking six weeks. By mid 2004, we will build prototypes in a matter of hours, tuning iterations in matter of minutes.” “Automotive suppliers are taking on a much larger role in the development of new components and systems, and this has required them to utilise VPD [virtual product development] technologies more than ever before,” says Frank Perna, MSC’s chairman and CEO.