Suspension design affects a wide range of vehicle performance attributes including vehicle dynamics, ride
comfort, NVH, etc. These attributes usually have conflicting requirements. To obtain an optimal suspension design, the chassis attributes need to be balanced. Accurate CAE modeling and analysis methods are required to predict and optimize chassis performances before prototypes exist. This paper presents a CAE based approach based on multi-body models for impact harshness modeling and analysis. The layout of the multi-body model used for impact harshness analysis is explained, focusing on the process used to identify appropriate dynamic bushing stiffness data. An accurate representation of the tire – obstacle interaction is crucial for impact harshness simulations. The CD-Tire model family and parameter extraction are briefly discussed. Simulation results are shown and compared with measurement data, showing excellent correlation. This proves that the proposed approach is suitable to optimize harshness performance before physical prototypes exist.
