Mechanical Simulation Corporation In SuspensionSim Partnership

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Analysis of critical suspension designs can now be completed quickly, easily and cost-effectively thanks to SuspensionSim, a software product that can be used with Mechanical Simulation Corporation’s CarSim®. According to Terry Rhoades, Mechanical Simulation president, the product was developed by Brighton, Mich.-based Knable & Associates, Inc.

“SuspensionSim gives engineers the capability to model almost any suspension system in a setting that rivals most testing facilities,” Rhoades said. “Then results can be imported directly to CarSim or TruckSim® for immediate analysis of the suspension’s affects on vehicle dynamics. It’s an easy-to-use program that’s completely compatible with our simulation software.”

SuspensionSim analyzes suspension systems for their kinematic and compliance qualities. The graphical user interface (GUI) and engineering layout allow for simple and quick model building and change evaluation. A variety of suspension templates provide a jump start in building user-defined models. The entire program is PC-based; files created in SuspensionSim can be directly imported by CarSim or TruckSim for further analysis.

CarSim is Mechanical Simulation’s software package for simulating the dynamic vehicle behavior of cars, light trucks and utility vehicles. CarSim animates simulated tests and generates over 500 output variables that can be plotted and analyzed, including the “fish hook” test now required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. TruckSim is software for simulating the dynamic vehicle behavior of heavy-duty vehicles with dual wheels, asymmetric steering systems, multiple axles and single or multiple trailers. SuspensionSim will be offered to customers as a stand-alone product, or in conjunction with either CarSim or TruckSim programs.

“There is a natural connection between SuspensionSim and Mechanical Simulation’s CarSim and TruckSim that makes perfect sense,” explained Joe Knable, president of Knable & Associates. “SuspensionSim has evolved over many years, with model validation through some of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers. SuspensionSim integrates easily with CarSim and TruckSim to offer effective PC-based analysis. SuspensionSim is a great alternative when suspension test data is unavailable.” Knable & Associates provides vehicle dynamics and suspension design consulting and training to vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

“We’re pleased to add SuspensionSim to our array of vehicle dynamics products. It’s the ideal next step in offering engineers the full design and analysis tools they need for vehicle dynamics,” said Rhoades.

Mechanical Simulation Corporation is a technology leader in the development and distribution of advanced software used to simulate vehicle performance under a wide variety of conditions. Established in 1996, its Ann Arbor, Mich., headquarters provides car, truck and motorcycle simulation packages, training and ongoing support to more than 20 OEMs, over 30 Tier 1 suppliers and more than 60 universities and government research groups worldwide. For more information, visit www.carsim.com.