Parameterizing Suspension Stiffness and Damping in MotionView

Welcome to the Multibody Dynamics for Automotive Applications using MotionView and MotionSolve blog series. In this blog, we will explore how to parameterize suspension stiffness and damping using datasets and attachments in MotionView software.

Why Parameterize Suspension Properties?

In vehicle dynamics simulation, parameterization helps:

• Optimize performance by tuning stiffness and damping.
• Enable quick adjustments without modifying multiple entities.
• Improve automation in automotive dynamics analysis.

Creating a DataSet for Suspension Parameters

In multibody simulation software, a DataSet stores key parameters. Here’s how to create one:

• Right-click Model > Add > General MDL Entity > DataSet.
• Name it "Vehicle Parameters".
• Click Data Members Tab > Click Add.

Select Type: Real and define two parameters:

• Variable Name: suspension_stiffness, Label: Suspension Spring Stiffness.
• Variable Name: suspension_damping, Label: Suspension Shock Damping.
• Click OK to store these values.

Using the DataSet in the Suspension System

We now link suspension components to the dataset using attachments:

1. Create an Attachment for the DataSet

• Go to "Simple Suspension Front" > Attachments Tab > Add.
• Label it "Suspension DataSet".
• Set Type: DataSet and click OK.

2. Resolve the Attachment

• Click "DataSet" in the attachment panel.
• Expand "Model" > Expand "DataSets" > Select "Vehicle Parameters".
• Click OK.
• Applying Parameterization to the Spring-Damper System
• Go to "Spring Damper" in "Simple Suspension Front".
• Delete the absolute stiffness value.
• Click Function Builder > Expand Attachments > Expand "Suspension DataSet" > Select "suspension_stiffness" > Add > OK.
• Repeat the process for damping value.

Now, the stiffness and damping dynamically update from the dataset, enabling easy tuning.

Testing Parameter Updates

To verify dynamic parameterization, we modify suspension stiffness and damping:

• Go to "Vehicle Parameters" > Properties Tab.
• Set Stiffness = 100,000 N/m and Damping = 10 Ns/m.
• Check the "Spring Damper" properties—values update automatically!

Exporting the Updated Suspension System

Now that parameterization is complete, we export the revised system:

• Go to Import/Export > Click Export.
• Save as "Simple Suspension System with DataSets".
• Click Quick Export.
• To update the rear suspension, we:
• Delete the old rear suspension.
• Import the updated suspension system.
• Rename it "Simple Suspension Rear" and resolve attachments to Wheel Center Rear.

The entire suspension system is now dynamically adjustable!

Final Simulation and Validation

We run the simulation to ensure:

• Suspension reacts correctly to forces.
• Parameterized values are applied in calculations.

Animation in HyperView confirms that the multibody dynamics modeling process is successful.

Conclusion

By introducing parameterized datasets, we enhanced vehicle system modeling and improved flexibility in automotive dynamics simulation.

This approach is widely used in MotionView for automotive engineers and is essential for efficient design iterations. In the next blog, we will explore more advanced automotive simulation tools to refine vehicle behavior. 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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