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This work describes a numerical methodology based on the Finite Element approach able to simulate the dynamic maneuver of the full vehicle running on fatigue reference roads. The basic idea of present work stays in combining a moderately complex and general tire model with traditional full-vehicle methods, including both implicit and explicit finite element techniques, in order to predict – within the early design phases when no prototypes are available - the loads transmitted to the vehicle running on the real fatigue reference roads.

Snow traction is an important tire performance parameter for product applications in markets where snow is present for several months during the year. It is very difficult to perform multiple tests because proving grounds and consistent test conditions are available only for limited periods of time and due to prototyping and test expense. This paper deals with the simulation aspects of the snow traction test using Abaqus. The first part of this paper describes the chosen test method and offers a review of the available simulation technology.

Automotive vehicles undergo various ranges of road loads according to the driving conditions. Sometimes it experiences unusually large overload such as pot-hole impact or curb strike whose forces are several times of the vehicle weight. Those overloads may induce plastic deformations at some components and these plastic deformations reduce the fatigue life of the components. In some cases, the fatigue crack initiation points may be changed due to the residual stresses which were generated by the overloads.

Product development is becoming more complex. It involves not only system simulation requirements, but also the need to manage and share huge amounts of engineering information that is housed throughout the world. It quickly becomes complex when getting into detailed system simulation for powertrain applications such as sealing products.

Skid a full vehicle against a curb in lateral and longitudinal direction are two out of several tests to proof the strength of a suspension. Knowing the internal forces acting on suspension components during such an event is extremely important for being able to dimension safety critical parts correctly. Measuring these loads is an elaborate task, because the use of wheel force transducers is not possible due the risk of damaging them. It is necessary to apply strain gauges and force cells instead.

In this study, carried out by fka, the hood of the VW Golf V is taken as an example to analyze the potential of a hybrid construction of aluminum and steel. Structural stiffness, oil canning and dent resistance behavior are analyzed using Abaqus/Standard. With the objective of reducing the total hood weight, the performance of the hood is compared to reference values of the series production steel hood.

Fatigue life prediction has reached a high level in respect to practical handling and accuracy in the last decades. As a result of insecure or lacking input data deviations between numerical results and test results in terms of cycles till crack initiation are possible. On the one hand, the accuracy of Finite Element results gets better and better because of greatly increasing computer power and mesh density. Whereas on the other hand, the situation is much more critical regarding load data and especially regarding local material properties of the components.

In 2006 BMW made a decision to use Abaqus/Explicit for all issues concerning passive safety in the virtual design process. Code quality and reliability of simulation results were identified as the primary reasons to change, and from that decision point forward, all product development teams began migration activities to switch to Abaqus/Explicit.

An analysis of bridge roller bearings was performed using Abaqus as part of a failure investigation. Finite element analyses were conducted to gain an understanding of the stresses caused during operation and explain the possible cause of failure. Models of the bearings were required to represent the contact between the roller and plates, daily movement of the load and the non-linear behaviour of the material.

Fatigue is the main in-service failure mode for automotive chassis & suspension parts,