Creating a Reusable Suspension Subsystem in MotionView

Welcome to the Multibody Dynamics for Automotive Applications using MotionView and MotionSolve blog series. In this blog, we will explore how to convert a simple suspension system into a reusable subsystem in MotionView software, allowing for scalability, modularity, and future integration into complete vehicle models.

Why Create a Reusable Suspension Subsystem?

In multibody dynamics training, modularity is key to efficient modeling. By creating a separate suspension system, we can:

• Reuse the model in different vehicle configurations.
• Easily modify suspension properties without affecting the entire vehicle system.
• Enable collaborative design, where different engineers work on independent subsystems.

Converting the Suspension Model into a System

To create a MotionView for automotive engineers subsystem, follow these steps:

1. Define a New Subsystem

• Go to Model > Add System or Assembly.
• Select "System" and click Next.

Assign Names:

• Label Name: Simple Suspension
• Variable Name: simple_suspension
• Click OK to create the new system.

2. Transfer Entities to the Subsystem

Select all related components:

• Bodies, graphics, joints, motions, forces, points, and spring-damper entities.
• Right-click > Cut.
• Go to "Simple Suspension" > Right-click > Paste.

Now, the suspension system is independent of the parent model, making it easier to modify, test, and reuse.

Testing the Suspension Subsystem in MotionSolve

To ensure that the new subsystem functions correctly, we simulate it independently.

• Save the system as "Simple Suspension System".
• Run the simulation to verify the behavior.

Check animation in HyperView:

• Ensure correct spring-damper movement.
• Exporting and Reusing the Suspension Subsystem

Once validated, the subsystem can be exported for use in larger vehicle models.

1. Exporting the Suspension Subsystem

• Go to Import/Export Tab.
• Select "Export".
• Save as "Simple Suspension System.mdl".
• Click "Quick Export".

This saves the multibody dynamics modeling data in a reusable format.

2. Importing the Suspension Subsystem

To use the suspension system in another model:

• Go to Model > Import/Export > Import.
• Select "Simple Suspension System.mdl".
• Click Import > OK.

This allows multibody simulation software users to integrate pre-built subsystems into complex models effortlessly.

Conclusion

By converting a simple suspension into a reusable subsystem, engineers can streamline automotive dynamics analysis and enhance collaboration. This MotionView certification course topic is essential for building modular vehicle models, ultimately leading to better simulations and faster design iterations.

In the next blog, we will expand this model by integrating additional subsystems, such as a vehicle body and steering system, to create a complete vehicle simulation. Stay tuned!

This blog is part of our ongoing Multibody Dynamics blog series. If you missed the previous posts, check them out here.

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