Adams (Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems)
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by MSC Software/Hexagon
Features
Engineers can evaluate and manage the complex interactions between disciplines including motion, structures, actuation, and controls to better optimize product designs for performance, safety, and comfort.
Along with extensive analysis capabilities, Adams is optimized for large-scale problems, taking advantage of high performance computing environments.
Utilizing multibody dynamics solution technology, Adams runs nonlinear dynamics in a fraction of the time required by FEA solutions.
Loads and forces computed by Adams simulations improve the accuracy of FEA by providing better assessment of how they vary throughout a full range of motion and operating environments.
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Student version of MSC Adams is free but a license is required for running extensions like Adams car, driven, tire etc.
Simulation software is free for ASC and WSC teams (application required)
Useful Adams Extensions
Adams Car
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Simulate full vehicle events (such as steady state drift, throttle off in turn, and constant radius)
Simulate half vehicle events including dynamic load case and static vehicle characteristics
Use with Adams Insight to perform systematic experiments on vehicle model
Study the effect of multiple design variations
Optimize the design
Address the robustness issue
Links
https://www.mscsoftware.com/product/adams
https://www.mscsoftware.com/student-editions
https://www.mscsoftware.com/formula-student
CarSim/SuspensionSim by Mechanical Simulation
Features
CarSim
CarSim is a software tool for simulating the dynamic behavior of passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks.
It uses 3D multibody dynamics models to accurately reproduce the physics of the vehicle in response to controls from the driver and/or automation: steering, throttle, braking, and gear shifting.
Environmental conditions include a 3D ground/road surface as well as aerodynamic and wind effects.
High Fidelity Vehicle Models: CarSim includes detailed math models for all combinations of vehicles with independent, solid axle, and twist beam suspensions. Optional features in the math models add degrees of freedom to handle one and two axle trailers, flexible chassis frames, and flexible powertrain mounts.
Modular Vehicle Definition: automobile sub-systems are defined with parameters and tables that can be obtained from published data, engineering tools, and test rigs. When data is not available, you can use the real-world data provided in our sample datasets. CarSim’s modular, parameter-based design approach lets you modify parameters and run simulations any time during the design cycle.\
Automobile Performance Metrics: CarSim provides open-loop and closedloop driver models with advanced features to help engineers quickly discover a vehicle’s limit capabilities or its optimal path through a complex maneuver. These technologies are demanded by manufactures who must certify compliance with worldwide ISO and ECE stability control regulations.
CarSim Applications: ABS Braking, Electronic Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Suspensions, Electronic Power Steering, Rollover Detection, Hybrid Powertrains, Fuel Economy Studies
SuspensionSim
SuspensionSim simulates quasi-static Kinematics and Compliance (K&C) tests applied to suspension systems. SuspensionSim models include both kinematics and compliance effects of joints.
A Model Builder can assemble new suspension models from existing templates (reusable datasets), and design new datasets as needed.
The multibody program in SuspensionSim can assemble complicated systems, built with SuspensionSim Bodies, Points, Joints, and Vectors. Joints include ball joints, axial springs, generic axial Joints with user-defined controls for motion or load, or nonlinear force/deflection behavior, 3D bushings, and generic 3D Joints with user-defined controls for motion or load, or nonlinear force/translation or moment/rotation behavior.
Cost
CarSim is available at a discounted price for university race teams like Formula SAE and Baja SAE
Apparently UW is already a customer?
Links
https://www.carsim.com/products/carsim/index.php
https://www.carsim.com/products/suspensionsim/index.php
https://www.carsim.com/downloads/pdf/SuspensionSim_Handout_Letter.pdf
https://www.carsim.com/downloads/pdf/CarSim_Introduction.pdf