AMSD - Advanced Mechatronics

Calculation

The core competences of AMSD are calculation and simulation services in the field of automotive engineering. We have continuously improved our calculation methods and processes over the past years and have also applied them in different fields of applications. The following sections describe the main areas of our calculation portfolio:

 

Longitudinal Dynamics and Energy Management:

Hybridization and electrification of road vehicles required the development of new simulation methods in the areas of longitudinal dynamics and energy management. In the course of several consulting- and research-projects, AMSD developed a model library for modelling and simulation of complete vehicle concepts using advanced component models (energy storage devices such as batteries or flywheels, converters, electric motors, internal combustion engines, transmissions, etc.). The models enable a comprehensive electro-mechanical analysis of vehicles and their optimization with regard to fuel consumption, driving performance or other optimization criteria.

Previous tasks included:

  • Design of hybrid manual transmissions
  • Calculation and optimization of hybrid commercial vehicles with regard to mileage
  • Component dimensioning for electric commercial vehicles
  • Design of the operating strategy and fuel consumption optimization of hybrid vehicles
  • Design of a flywheel storage for passenger cars
     


3D Vehicle Dynamics:

Modern software for 3D multi-body systems (MBS) enable the comprehensive and fast analysis of vehicles with regard to their driving dynamics and NVH behaviour. In recent years, AMSD has expanded its know-how in these areas through numerous consulting projects. This enables us to model new assemblies and complete vehicles in a short time in order to carry out the required analyses.

Projects completed so far:

  • Modelling of complete vehicle models for vehicle dynamics, ride and load calculations
  • Modelling of independent wheel suspensions and determination of track, camber and toe angle changes as a function of wheel travel (elasto-kinematics)
  • Assessment of self-steering and rolling behaviour. Optimization of driving dynamics by anti-roll-bar tuning
  • Set-up of real-time models
  • Preparation of flexible bodies for MBS using finite element analysis
  • Modelling and evaluation of leaf-spring axles using beam theory and contact models
  • Modelling of air-spring axles incl. air spring control
  • Modelling and optimization of a rail bound summer toboggan run vehicle
  • Modelling of the kinematics and actuators of aircraft landing gears
     


Structure Calculation and Optimization:

In mechanical engineering innovative products are often subject to optimization goals such as minimum weight at minimum cost and maximum stiffness. At AMSD we use the Finite Element Method (FEM) to assess and improve the relevant variables (stresses, strains, displacements, natural frequencies and frequency modes). Specifically, it is usually a matter of identifying oversizing or finding weak points in the component in order to achieve the required product specifications with a minimum of material and production effort. 

Another benefit for our customers is that we can also determine the loads occurring by simulation (MBS) or experiment and that we are able to carry out the necessary design changes ourselves. This ends in an integrated process that leads quickly to the desired result.

Specific tasks in this area included:

  • Design and strength calculation of crash test benches
  • Construction and strength calculation of a summer toboggan run vehicle
  • Rotordynamic structure calculation of a high-speed test bench
  • Design and strength calculation of carbon fibre components
     


Enhancement of Calculation Know-how by Research:

We see our development and calculation know-how as the most important company resources. Consequently, we try to employ and train high qualified engineers on one hand and on the other hand we carry out funded research projects as well as in house projects in order to extend our knowledge.

The following is an excerpt of our research activities to date:

  • Modelling and parameterization of elastomer bearings
  • Design of virtual sensors, e.g. using Extended Kalman Filter
  • Development of methods for torque determination in drive trains
  • Physical models for dual-mass flywheel models
  • Optimization of vehicles using mechanical energy storage systems
  • Development of a rope model for the simulation of dynamic effects in the field of ropeways
  • Creation of customer-specific MBS simulation solutions