VDS Tour: HOME
MRA Vehicle Dynamics Simulation (VDS) is a comprehensive vehicle model of the
automobile, suitable for generating transient responses (time histories) for a
wide range of maneuvers over a varying terrain. The simulation is conducted
through a time-based numerical integration of a lumped-parameter vehicle model
with 16 degrees of freedom.
The degrees of freedom are: 6 chassis, 4 vertical unsprung, 4 rotational
unsprung and 2 steering (rear wheel steering is modeled and is an option). The
equations of motion are descended from those derived by the Vehicle Dynamics
Group at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratories in the late 1960's. Predecessors to
VDMS include DK-4 and HVOSM.
Inputs to the program are via ASCII data files which are compatible, with small
exceptions, with MMM and LTS. Numerous modeling choices (input descriptions)
are available for various vehicle subsystems. Steering wheel input can be open
loop or via a "Preview-Predictor" model. VDS contains a highly detailed
steering system model including the steering column, power steering unit and
steering/suspension geometry.
VDS runs in a Windows DOS-box. At each integration time step nearly 220 output
variables are recorded. These are readily graphed using the included Windows
GUI plotter.
Purchase of a VDS license includes the program, sample data files, a full day of
training at MRA, a 150 page User's Manual and support by MRA. MRA's intent is
to ensure that the purchaser can take full advantage of the simulation.
While MMM gives the "big picture", VDS is useful for addressing specific areas
of vehicle dynamics analysis and problem solving. Follow the links below to
take a tour of VDS.
VDS TOUR
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