Vehicle Modeling Library User's Guide

The vehicle library models most four-wheeled vehicles in production today. Models can be modified interactively in MotionView to support topologies that are not supported in the vehicle library. The vehicle library is open-source, ASCII-based, and can be modified by you. The methods in the vehicle library can also be used and adapted to model non-automotive land vehicles, such as tractors and trucks.

The following front suspensions are supported in the vehicle library:
  • MacPherson strut with a one-piece lower control arm
  • MacPherson strut with a two-piece lower control arm
  • Short long-arm suspension with a one-piece lower control arm
  • Short long-arm suspension with a two-piece lower control arm
  • Five-link front suspension
The following steering systems are supported:
  • Rack and pinion steering
  • Recirculating ball steering
  • Double idler/recirculating ball steering
The following rear suspensions are supported:
  • Rear quad link
  • Rear-linked solid axle
  • Rear Macpherson strut
  • Rear SLA
  • Rear SLA with two-piece LCA
  • Semi trailing arm
  • Rear multi-link
  • Rear multi-link with LCA
  • Rear twist-beam
  • Rear trailing arm
  • Rear leaf spring
The following engine systems are supported in the vehicle library:
  • Longitudinal engine
  • Transverse engine
    • An option allows multiple links (Dog Bones) to control engine roll
In the full vehicle, the following additional systems are modeled:
  • Drivetrain
    • Front-wheel drive
    • Rear-wheel drive
    • All-wheel drive
    • The drivetrain depends on the suspension choice
  • Tires
    • Fiala Tire (with Flat Road)
    • Ftire (Durability and NVH Simulation)
    • CD-Tire can be added manually
    • MF Tyre and SWIFT can be added manually
  • Roads
    • Flat Road is included
    • Other roads can be modeled using the Toolkit
  • Braking and Acceleration
    • Braking is performed using a PI controller and a torque at the wheels
    • Acceleration is obtained using a PID controller and torque in the drivetrain.
  • Steering
    • A steering controller is provided that is based on the MacAdam look-ahead style steering controller.

The models and topology included in the vehicle library are intended to be the beginning of the simulation process. The model built through the Assembly Wizard has geometry that properly illustrates the suspension of interest, but in some combinations, will not result in a good suspension design. You are responsible for populating the model with the appropriate suspension geometry, spring and shock absorber data, mass and CG location, bushing data, tire data, and other model information that is required to develop an accurate vehicle model.