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2 Adams/Car Truck
Introducing Adams/Car Truck
Adams/Car Truck
Welcome to the Adams/Car Truck templates from MSC.Software. Adams/Car is a virtual prototyping
product that creates, catalogs, and analyzes full vehicles and vehicle suspensions.
All template-based products have two interfaces: Standard Interface and Template Builder. You can
use the Template Builder interface to create and modify components and templates, and the Standard
Interface to change parameters and analyze suspension or vehicle assemblies.
This section introduces you to the templates that have been specifically developed for the trucking
industry. For general information about building templates, communicators etc., please see the section
Building Models in the Adams/Car documentation.
The purpose of providing these templates is to have examples available to show how to model multi-axle,
multi-subsystem assemblies that are common in the trucking industry. These examples can be modified
and populated with vehicle specific data. Adams/Car allows you to perform component, subsystem, and
full-vehicle analyses in one single environment. With this template-based parametric modeling approach,
you can quickly explore multiple what if design scenarios. You can animate vehicle or subsystem motion
onscreen, display graphs of key parameters, and produce standardized test reports.
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 3
Introducing Adams/Car Truck
Assembly Configuration
The shared_truck database represents an 18-wheel Tractor and trailer assembly with the following
approximate specifications:
GVM - Gross vehicle mass: 38000 kg (distributed over 5 axles)
Wheel & Tire mass: 80kg
Wheelbase: Total -5700mm and cab-to-axle - 4000mm
Approximate weight distribution for suspension test rigs:
msc_susp_front_leafs.asy -> 2 wheels mass = 160kg, sprung mass = 8000kg
msc_truck_susp_3links.asy -> 2 wheels mass = 160kg, sprung mass = 8000kg
msc_susp_driven_axle.asy -> 4 wheels mass = 320kg, sprung mass = 7500kg
msc_susp_trailer_axle.asy -> 4 wheels mass = 320kg, sprung mass = 7500kg
Assembly Variants:
There are two types of brake and leafspring suspension systems available:
• Drum air brake system and disc brake systems
• Beam leafspring and SAE 3link leafspring system
rigid axle suspension at rear. The assembly uses disc brakes on four wheels. The wheelbase is 2000mm.
There are no assembly variants for the bus.
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 5
Adams/Car Truck Database
The following figures show complete assemblies and the location of the templates within:
8 Adams/Car Truck
Adams/Car Truck Database
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 9
Templates Overview
Templates Overview
msc_truck_rigid_cab
Overview
This template represents the cab of the tractor.
Template name
_msc_truck_rigid_cab
Major role
cab
Application
Full-vehicle analysis
Description
The cab consists of three boxes representing the engine, driver and sleeping compartments. The cab
suspension and bushings mount the cab on a rigid tractor frame.
Files referenced
mdi_0001.bus
10 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
msc_truck_driver_seat.bus
Topology
The following table maps the topology of the template:
Parameters
None
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity between the template and cab_suspension subsystems.
Input communicators receive information about mounting of the cab on rigid_tractor frame. The output
communicators define the cab_suspension location, main exhaust and steering column support.
The following table lists the communicators in the template.
msc_truck_cab_suspension
Overview
This template provides connection between the cab and the rigid_tractor frame.
Template name
_msc_truck_cab_suspension
Major role
cab_suspension
Application
Full-vehicle analysis
Description
This template represents the main cab suspension unit. A truck cab is isolated from the tractor frame by
means of a combination of springs and dampers. Upper and lower mount parts are connected to the cab
frame and the tractor frame, respectively. A longitudinal rod is used to connect the cab to the frame and
to react loads in that direction
Files referenced
msc_truck_cab_suspension_lateral_bar.bus
msc_truck_cab_suspension_shock.dpr
msc_truck_cab_suspension_shock.bus
msc_truck_cab_suspension_airspring.spr
12 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Topology
Lower and upper shock parts are connected via a cylindrical joint. Fixed joints are used to connect lower
airbag parts to the mounts.
The following table maps the topology of the template.
Parameters
None
Communicators
Mount parts provide connectivity between the template and the cab and rigid_tractor, subsystems.
Input communicators receive information about the shock absorber, spring and bumpstop locations, etc.
There are no output communicators.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_rigid_tractor
Overview
The template represents a frame with integrated fifth wheel to which the subassemblies like cab,
suspension and drive axles, etc. are attached.
Template name
_msc_truck_rigid_tractor
Major role
Body
Application
Full-vehicle analyses
Description
The rigid tractor system forms the basic frame of the tractor to which the cab, suspension and other
subassemblies connect through flexible couplings (bushing). The trailer is hitched to the tractor through
the fifth wheel.
Files referenced
msc_truck_fifth_wheel_frame.bus
fifth_wheel.shl
Topology
The template contains information about the frontal area, air density and drag coefficient which is used
to calculate the aerodynaminc drag based on the vehicle velocity. No joints are defined but a series of
14 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
communicators define the attachment points for other subassemblies. The fifth wheel is connected to the
tractor frame rigidly or through bushing depending on the kinematic_mode parameter.
Parameters
The parameter information in the template helps to calculate the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle for
which the following parameters are specified:
Communicators
Single input communicator and number of output communicators define the attachment point for the
subassemblies to the frame as listed below:
msc_truck_rigid_trailer
Overview
The template represents a trailer frame similar to the tractor frame which carries the payload and is
hitched to the tractor through the fifth wheel.
Template name
_msc_truck_rigid_trailer
Major role
Trailer
Application
Full-vehicle analyses
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 17
Templates Overview
Description
The rigid trailer system forms the basic frame of the trailer which is hitched to the tractor through the
fifth wheel. The trailer is connected next to the trailer axle through rear suspension.
Files referenced
mdi_0001.bus
Topology
The template contains information about the joint location of the fifth wheel and the attachment point for
the suspension shock-absorbers. The paylod (test mass) is connected through a fixed joint to the trailer
body.
A stake force connects the fifth wheel mount and trailer body which is responsible for the angle between
the tractor and trailer during cornering.
Parameters
The following parameters are specified in the template:
Communicators
A single input communicator and a number of output communicators define the attachment point for the
subassemblies to the frame as listed below:
msc_truck_aux_parts
Overview
This template provides connection between auxiliary parts with the tractor cab and frame.
Template name
_msc_truck_aux_parts
Major role
aux_parts
Application
Full-vehicle analysis
Description
Air tanks and other rigid bodies are attached to the mount parts via bushings. There are no joints present
in the model. Mount parts defined in this template connect to other templates, in particular to the cab
(main exhaust pipes) and to the tractor.
Files referenced
msc_truck_left_stack.shl
msc_truck_right_stack.shl
msc_truck_main_exhaust.shl
msc_truck_airtank_to_frame.bus
msc_truck_fueltank_to_frame.bus
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 19
Templates Overview
msc_truck_exhaust.bus
Topology
All the auxiliary components like exhaust, air tank, fuel tank, etc. are rigidly attached to the cab and
tractor frame using fixed or flexible joints.
Parameters
None
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity between the template and the cab, rigid_tractor subsystems. Input
communicators receive information about the airtank, fuel tank and exaust mounting. There are no output
communicators.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_leaf_spring
Overview
The leaf_srping system template is a representation of the conventional semi-elliptical suspension spring
used in a solid axle vehicle.
Template name
_msc_truck_leaf_sping
Major role
suspension
Application
Suspension and full vehicle assemblies
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 21
Templates Overview
Description
The leaf laminates are formed by a series of discrete elements coupled together by a beam element. The
laminates are connected to each other by a direct force_vector to represent frictional and impact forces.
The beam element can be modified to change the stiffness of the spring (by changing cross-section, shear
ratios and Young’s modulus).
Files referenced
msc_truck_leaf_front_to_frame.bus
msc_truck_leaf_rear_to_shackle.bus
msc_truck_leaf_shackle_to_frame.bus
msc_truck_leaf_to_axle.bus
Topology
The leafseat mounts the leafspring on the front axle. The leaf-spring eye is attached to the chassis through
bushing. The front eye is directly connected to the chassis through bushing, whereas the rear eye is
connected through shackle with intermediate bushes.
Parameters
Contains no parametric information
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity between the template and suspension subsystems.
Input communicators receive information about the front rear mount locations. The output communicator
provides the information of leafseat on axle.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_leaf_3link
Overview
This template contains the SAE 3 link representation of the leafspring.
Template name
_msc_truck_leaf_3link
Major role
suspension
Application
Suspension and Full-vehicle analysis
Description
The leaf is formed by connecting three rigid sections, namely, fore, aft and leafseat.
Files referenced
mdi_0001.bus
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 23
Templates Overview
Topology
Leafseat, fore and aft section of the single leaf are connected through bushing to form a leafspring. The
fore and aft eye is then connected to the frame through bushings (with intermediate shackle at rear end ).
The following table maps the topology of the template:
Parameters
None
Communicators
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_steering
Overview
This is a simple re-circulating ball, pitman arm steering system, with power assist. It is commonly used
in heavy trucks. It consists of a three-bar mechanism: pitman arm, steering link, and steering input arm.
Template name
_msc_truck_steering
Major role
Steering
Application
Suspension and full-vehicle assemblies
Description
A re-circulating ball steering gear transmits motion from the steering wheel to the pitman arm. The
pitman arm rotates to impart motion to the steering link. The steering link pulls and pushes the steering
input arm which steers the wheels.
Files referenced
truck_steer_assist.ste
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 25
Templates Overview
Topology
The re-circulating ball steering gear consists of three major parts:
• Input shaft
• Ball screw
• Rack
The steering wheel rotates the steering input shaft. The steering input shaft attaches to the ball screw
through a torsion bar. The ball screw imparts translational motion to the rack, through a coupler. The rack,
in turn, rotates the pitman arm through a coupler.
The pitman arm drags the steering link and steering input arm, which is directly connected to the left
wheel, which pulls the tie rod, connected to the right wheel.
The following table maps the topology of the template:
Parameters
A parameter variable switches between kinematic and compliant mode, effectively defining the status of
the ball screw input shaft lock reduction gear.
26 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Communicators
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_steer_suspension
Overview
This template represents steerable solid axle front suspension of a truck.
Template name
_msc_truck_steer_suspension
Major role
Suspension
Application
Suspension and Full-vehicle analysis
Description
The template forms the steerable front suspension. The tie rod, steering arm and axle forms a four bar
chain with two revolute and two spherical joints. The suspension upright forms the wheel carrier part.
The solid axle in turn supports leafspring suspension and dampers. The steering input arm (in steering
subsystem) connects to the left suspension upright.
Files referenced
msc_truck_front_susp_shock_mount.bus
msc_truck_front_susp_damper.dpr
28 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Topology
The following table maps the topology of the template:
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters in the template:
Communicators
Mount parts provide connectivity between the template and the rigid_cab, wheels.
Input communicators receive information about the leafspring location and attachement point for
damper-to-frame. The output communicators define the wheel-center steering arm location, and
suspension parameter array.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_drive_axle
Overview
This template represents the solid axle suspension typically used on tractors.
Template name
_msc_truck_drive_axle
Major role
Suspension
Application
Suspension and Full-vehicle analysis
30 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Description
The template is used in conjunction with the dual tire template in the tractor assembly as the driving solid
axle. Longitudinal load is reacted by the rigid hockey sticks, and lateral load is reacted by the panhard
rod. Drive torque left and right are applied as rotational single component forces between hub parts and
the solid axle. A simple model of a limited slip differential is also included in this suspension template.
There are no rigid parts or gears in the axle differential unit: a differential torque is transferred from one
hub to the other depending on the difference of the wheel rotational speeds. The rotational speeds of the
left and right half shafts are computed in a user defined solver variable and their difference is used as an
independent variable in the akima interpolation of the limited slip differential spline. An input
communicator of type solver variable receivers the total axle torque. That value, corrected with the
appropriate differential torque, is then referenced in the two joint force actuators. The joint force
actuators produce the driving torque between the rotating hub parts and the solid axle.
Files referenced
mdi_viscous.diff
mdi_0001.spr
mdi_0001.bus
mdi_0001.dpr
Topology
Hub parts are connected to the solid axle via rotational joints. Dual wheel template mounts to the hubs.
Hockey sticks are connected to the solid axle via a combination of primitive joints and bushings. The
suspension is connected to the tractor subsystem via mount parts at the springs, dampers, panhard rod
bushings and hockey sticks revolute joints.
The following table maps the topology of the template:
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters in the template:
Communicators
Mount parts provide connectivity between the template and the tractor, wheel subsystems. Input
communicators receive information about the shock absorber, spring locations, etc. The output
communicator provides information regarding the wheel, differential mounting and suspension
parameter array, etc.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_tandem_drive_axle
Overview
This template represents the solid twin axle suspension typically used on tractors.
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 33
Templates Overview
Template name
_msc_truck_tandem_drive_axle
Major role
Suspension
Application
Suspension and Full-vehicle analysis
Description
The template is used in conjunction with the dual tire template in the tractor assembly as the driving solid
axle. Longitudinal load is reacted by the rigid hockey sticks and lateral load is reacted by the panhard
rod. Drive torque left and right are applied as rotational single component forces between hub parts and
the solid axle. A simple model of a limited slip differential is also included in this suspension template.
There are no rigid parts or gears in the axle differential unit: a differential torque is transferred from one
hub to the other, depending on the difference of the wheel rotational speeds. The rotational speeds of the
left and right half shafts are computed in a user defined solver variable and their difference is used as
independent variable in the akima interpolation of the limited slip differential spline. An input
communicator of type solver variable receives the total axle torque. That value, corrected with the
appropriate differential torque, is then referenced in the two joint force actuators. The joint force
actuators produce the driving torque between the rotating hub parts and the solid axle.
Files referenced
mdi_viscous.dif
mdi_0001.spr
mdi_0001.bus
mdi_0001.dpr
Topology
Hub parts are connected to the solid axle via rotational joints. Dual wheel template mounts to the hubs.
Hockey sticks are connected to the solid axle via a combination of primitive joints and bushings. The
suspension is connected to the tractor subsystem via mount parts at the springs, dampers, panhard rod
bushings and hockey sticks revolute joints.
The following table maps the topology of the template:
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters in the template:
Communicators
Mount parts provide connectivity between the template and the tractor, wheel subsystems. Input
communicators receive information about the shock absorber, spring locations, etc. The output
communicator provides information regarding the wheel, differential mounting and suspension
parameter array, etc.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_trailer_axle
Overview
This template represents a solid axle suspension typically used on trailers.
Template name
_msc_truck_trailer_axle
Major role
Suspension
Application
Suspension and Full-vehicle analysis
Description
The template represents a simple rigid axle trailing-arm suspension with springs and shock absorbers.
Dual wheels are mounted on the axle to make the complete suspension system. It also connects to the
brake templates.
Files referenced
msc_truck_trailer_axle_airbag.spr
msc_truck_trailer_axle.dpr
msc_truck_trailer_axle_shock.bus
msc_truck_trailer_A_frame.bus
msc_truck_trailer_arm_to_axle.bus
38 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Topology
Hub parts are connected to the solid axle via rotational joints. Dual wheel template mounts to the hubs.
The suspension is connected to the trailer subsystem via mount parts at the springs and dampers.
The following table maps the topology of the template:
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters in the template:
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity to the trailer and wheel subsystems. Input communicators receive
information about the toe and camber suspension orientation and the wheel-center location.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_wheels_dual
Overview
The dual wheel template represents a dual wheel arrangement on drive and trailer axles of the truck. It
uses the tire property file and supports three basic functions:
• Supports vertical load
• Develops longitudinal forces for acceleration and braking
• Develops lateral forces for cornering
Template name
_msc_truck_wheel_dual
40 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Major role
Wheel
Application
Full-vehicle analyses
Description
The dual wheel system template consists of wheel parts rigidly connected to mount parts. The tire contact
patch forces are transformed in forces and torques applied at the hub. A series of user-written subroutines
perform the force calculation depending on the tire property file that you selected. The road property file
determines the road contact model. For additional information about using tire and road models, see the
Adams/Tire online help.
Files referenced
The wheel system template references a tire property file for each wheel part. The default tire property
file is msc_truck_fiala.tir, stored in the tires.tbl directory of the Adams/Car Truck shared database.
Topology
The outside and inside wheel are rigidly connected by fixed joint, and the inside wheel in turn is
connected to spindle.
Communicators
Mount parts provide connectivity to the suspension subsystems, and output communicators publish
information about tire forces and wheel orientation. Tire force output communicator is used by the drive
axle template in order to evaluate the halfshaft angular velocity during a quasi static analysis. The
halfshaft velocity contributes to the calculation of the engine speed during quasi-static analysis.
The following table lists the communicators in the wheel system template.
msc_truck_air_drum_brakes
Overview
The drum-brake system template represents an air brake device that applies resistance to the motion of a
vehicle.
Template name
_msc_truck_air_drum_brakes
Major role
Brake_system
Application
Full-vehicle analysis to simulate the effect of braking on the dynamics of the vehicle
42 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Description
The drum-brake system template represents a model of air brake system. It converts the brake line
pressure to brake torque which is applied to the wheels. This template models the brakes at three axles.
Files referenced
None
Topology
An ac_point_torque_actuator acts between the suspension upright and wheel part. The brake line
pressure is converted to brake_ torque based upon the friction coefficient and load sensitive pressure
metering.
Parameters
The braking torque is expressed as a function of a number of parameters as listed below:
Communicators
Mount parts provide connectivity between the template and suspension subsystems. Input
communicators receive information about the toe and camber suspension orientation and the wheel-
center location. Input to the brake system is brake demand.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_brake
Overview
The tractor disc-brake system template represents a device that applies resistance to the motion of a
vehicle.
44 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Template name
_msc_truck_tractor_brake
Major role
Brake_system
Application
Full-vehicle (tractor only) analysis to simulate the effect of braking on the dynamics of the vehicle.
Description
The disc-brake system template represents a simple model of a brake system. It applies a rotational torque
between the caliper and the rotor. A pair of disc brakes is mounted on each axle. The brake line pressure
is divided into two channels, front and rear, depending on the brake_bias. This brake line pressure is
converted to brake torque depending upon the brake_demand, coefficient of friction, effective piston
radius and the velocity of the vehicle.
Files referenced
None
Topology
The rotor is rigidly attached to the wheel. A caliper is fixed to the suspension, housing any number of
pistons, the effective area of which is specified as a parameter. The brake bias determines the amount of
braking line pressure distributed to each axle. Effective piston radius and the friction coefficient are used
to convert the brake line pressure into braking torque. The disc-brake template is a simple model of a
brake system. It does not model the complex interaction between the rotor and caliper.
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters in the template.
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity to the axle and wheels. Input communicators receive information
about the toe and camber suspension orientation and the wheel-center location. Input to the brake system
is brake demand.
The following table lists the communicators in the template.
msc_truck_trailer_brake
Overview
The trailer disc-brake system template represents a device that applies resistance to the motion of a
vehicle.
Template name
_msc_truck_trailer_brake
Major role
Brake_system
Application
Full-vehicle (tractor and semi-trailer) analysis to simulate the effect of braking on the dynamics of the
vehicle
Description
The disc-brake system template represents a simple model of a brake system. It applies a rotational torque
between the caliper and the rotor. A pair of disc brake is mounted on each axle. The brake line pressure
is divided into three channels, front, rear, and trailer depending upon the brake bias. This brake demand
is converted to line pressure and brake torque depending upon the coefficient of friction, effective piston
radius and the velocity of the vehicle.
Files referenced
None
Topology
Topology is same as _msc_truck_brake.
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 47
Templates Overview
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters in the template.
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity between the template and axle, wheel subsystems. Input
communicators receive information about the toe and camber suspension orientation and the wheel-
center location. Input to the brake system is brake demand.
48 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
msc_truck_powertrain
Overview
This template represents the powertrain including the clutch and gear box.
Template name
_msc_truck_powertrain
Major role
powertrain
Application
Full-vehicle analysis
Description
The powertrain template is functional representation based on an internal combustion engine, clutch and
a gearbox model. The engine combustion model takes the throttle demand and produces a crankshaft
torque as a result of a three dimensional spline interpolation. Independent variables are engine RPM and
throttle position. Torque is divided with inter- and intra-axle differentials.
Files referenced
mdi_0001.bus
V12_engine_map.pwr
MDI_viscous.dif
50 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
Topology
The powertrain produces a transmission output torque acting on the front driveshaft, reacted on the
powertrain part. The front driveshaft drives a coupler splitting torque between the front and rear axles.
The front and rear axles then split torque left and right through differentials.
The following table maps the topology of the template.
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters used in the template:
Communicators
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_bus_rigid_chassis
Overview
This template represents the chassis frame to which other subassemblies are attached.
Template name
_msc_bus_rigid_chassis
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 53
Templates Overview
Major role
Body
Application
Full-vehicle analysis
Description
The template represents the chassis frame to which other subassemblies like suspension, steering and
powertrain etc. are attached. The frontal area and aero drag coefficient parameters are used to calculate
the aerodynamic drag.
Files referenced
none
Topology
Aero forces are applied to ges_frame.
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters used in the template:
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity between the template and suspension, powertrain, and wheel
subsystems etc. Input communicators receive information about the tire reference locations.
The following table lists the communicators in the template:
msc_truck_double_wishbone_suspension
Overview
This template represents the double wishbone (upper-lower A arm) suspension system.
Template name
_msc_truck_double_wishbone_suspension
Major role
Suspension
Application
suspension analysis.
Description
The template represents the double-wishbone (also known as double A arm) independent suspension
system.
Files referenced
mdi_0004.bus
56 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview
mdi_0001.bus
mdi_shk_0001.dpr
mdi_0001.bum
mdi_0001.spr
Topology
The following table maps the topology of the template.
Parameters
The following table lists the parameters in the template.
Communicators
Mount parts provide the connectivity between the template and suspension mounts on chassis. Output
communicator provide toe-camber angle and tire location information.
The following table lists the communicators in the template.
The following figures show the location of the templates in the assembly
Welcome to Adams/Car Truck 59
Templates Overview
60 Adams/Car Truck
Templates Overview