Lotus Suspension provides a simple to use tool for the design and analysis of suspension geometry. Standard suspension types using individual default pre-filled templates provide easy creation of kinematic models in either 2D or 3D modes.
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Creating a new model using pre-defined template types
Analysis of suspension geometry in Bump, Rebound, Roll and Steering is performed in an interactive environment. Graphical plots of selected derivatives are continually updated as suspension hard points are modified, either singly or as groups.
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Graphical Display of Suspension Model
The inclusion of bushes, spring properties, tyre stiffness and external forces allow compliant response to be calculated, including automatic creation of compliance coefficientsK for defined load sets.
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Compliant Suspension Coefficients Display
Mass properties and component damping provide modal analysis capability and the prediction of the forced damped response of the system. Individual mode shapes can be viewed animated on the model. The forced response at specific frequencies can be animated together with the complete speed sweep response.
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Modal Analysis Frequencies Bar Chart
Suspension templates can be either corner models or complete axle models. These complete axles may be because they are rigid axle suspension types or because it is required to model the effect of a connecting link such as the rack, sub-frame or an anti-roll bar.
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Example Full Axle Template Anti-Roll Bar
+$#>Overview - Introduction
Shark provides an analysis tool for calculating the suspension derivatives of pre-defined types of kinematic suspensions, through an interactive graphical interface. The program calculates the suspension derivatives, i.e. camber, castor, toe angle, roll centre height, etc., over three articulation types, bump/rebound, roll and steering, (steering 3D module only).
It functions either in 2D or 3D forms with increasing level of data requirements and analysis results with the 3D form. All suspension hard points can be edited or dragged through a fully dynamic 3D viewing environment with graphical results updated as the suspension hard points are modified.
Extensions to the integral solver allow for bush compliant effects and applied external forces to be included to understand the impacts of compliance on the suspension characteristics.
Mass and damping properties also allow for the rigid body modes to calculated and the modal shapes viewed. The application of spring forces and external forces allow the forced/damped response to be predicted and the displacements viewed at user defined frequencies.
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Example screen shot Overall appearance of application
+$#>Overview, Modules
The program has two modules, 2D and 3D. The suspension geometry data used in each module is completely independent of the other module. Switching between modules with the relevant menu or icon will change the display to reflect the model, results and settings of that module.
It is possible to move a 2D model data into one of the default 3D templates via the Solve / Convert 2D to 3D menu option. You currently cannot automatically simplify 3D data down to 2D, this not considered a likely requirement.
Many of the commands and menu options are identical between the 2D and 3D modules. Where a menu or action is not relevant to that module it will be greyed out.
Again where possible the same functionality and behavior is common between the 2D and 3D modules.
The 2D module works in the cross car plane only, i.e. Y-Z plane, where Y is cross car and Z is height.
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Module Icons in the File toolbar
+$#>Overview 2D Suspension Types
In the 2D module there are only two basic suspension types;
1) Double Wishbone
2) Macpherson Strut
Because in the 2D module no provision is included for the modeling of springs, dampers or steering mechanisms, the majority of the 3D modules templates are covered by the two 2D suspension types.
This does mean that trailing arm type suspensions cannot be modelled in the 2D module.
The 2D module works in the cross car plane only, i.e. Y-Z plane, where Y is cross car and Z is height.
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Selecting the 2D Suspension Type
+$#>Overview 3D Suspension Types
The 3D module has 28 pre-defined suspension types;
1) Double Wishbone, damper to lower wishbone
2) Lower H frame, single upper link
3) Steerable Macpherson Strut
4) Non-Steerable Macph Strut, two lower ball joints, tie to ground
5) 5-Link Rigid Axle (Panhard Rod)
6) Double Wishbone, damper to upper wishbone
7) Non/Steerable Macpherson Strut, steering arm to lower wishbone
8) 4-Link Rigid Axle (Panhard Rod)
9) 4-Link Rigid Axle (Twin Upper)
10) Trailing Arm with Two Cross Car Links
11) Semi/Trailing Arm
12) Steerable Twin Parallel Wishbones with Steering Knuckle
14) Double Wishbone with Push Rod Suspension
15) Double Wishbone, Rocker Arm Damper
16) Non/Steerable Lower A Arm with Toe Link
17) Double Wishbone, Push Rod, Mono-shock
18) Double Wishbone, Upper Toe Link, Drop S Link
19) Hinged Trailing Arm, Twin lower Link
20) Double Wishbone, Twin Outer Ball Joints
21) 5-Link Rigid Axle (Watts Linkage)
22) Double Wishbone, Twin Outer Ball Joints, Spring Front
23) Double Wishbone, Anti-Roll Bar
24) Steerable Macpherson Stut, Twin Outer Ball Joints
25) Double Wishbone, Twin Lower Outer Ball Joints
26) Double Wishbone, Damper to Lower Wishbone, Compliant Rack
27) Steerable Macpherson Strut, Twin Lower Link
28) 4-Link Rear, Transverse Control Link
29) Twist Beam Twin Wheel
Some of these suspension types are steerable and in which case will appear as options for both front and rear suspension selections. Whilst non-steerable suspension types will only appear in the rear suspension list. The majority of these templates are just corner models, some axle templates are included. Users can convert these or their own corner templates to axle templates using the menu item Edit / Convert Corner to Axle Model.
For steerable suspension types the steering mechanism type is selected separately from either a rack or steering box.
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Selecting the 3D Front Suspension Type
It is possible to define your own 3d templates. These can be loaded automatically and either used as additions to the existing hard coded templates, replacements for or modifications of the hard coded ones. Templates that are loaded automatically are referred to as default templates. Users can also load additional user defined templates by browsing for an external file. All templates loaded from external files, (i.e. both default and user), are loaded into a certain template index. Thus it is possible to overwrite an existing hard coded template with a default or user template having the same index number. Similarly it is possible to overwrite a default template with a user template. The default templates are stored in a text file named _User_Templates.Dat and is searched for in the programs startup folder. It is scanned for a program start-up and if found it is read and any extra templates loaded.
It is possible to re-run the defaults loading process during a session, (without the need to restart), by using the menu item File / Re-Read Default Templates.
+$#>Overview 3D Steering Types
The 3D front suspension templates are restricted to being steerable. A steerable template has an identified point attached to the body that is articulated in a prescribed manner for the Steering mode of analysis.
Two types of steering type are available;
1) Steering Rack
2) Steering Box
The steering rack applies a linear displacement of the nominated track rod end along the Y-axis. No additional data points are required to define the steering rack. The defined steering travel is the linear distance in mm.
The steering box type requires additional geometry points to be added to identify the pitman point and steering arm axis. The defined steering travel for a steering box type is angular rotation of the steering arm.
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Steering box graphical display Box points highlighted
Note that steering is not considered in the 2D module as it is by definition a 3D phenomena.
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Selecting the 3D Steering Articulation Type
+$#>Overview Graphical Interface
The graphical interface consists of a conventional Windows style container window, with a top menu bar and a series of status panels along the bottom.
Optional toolbars are drawn by default to the left of the window, containing short cut icons to some of the main menus. The user can specify the visibility of the toolbars together with their position. Additionally the toolbars can be displayed as floating rather than anchored to one of the edges.
Floating toolbars can be re-docked to the required edge through picking and dragging to the new position, (note the outline shape will change to indicate docking).
The initial positions of the toolbars can be set via the SetUp / Start Options / ToolBar Position menu item, with Top, Bottom, Left or Right options available. This change is saved to the users ini file and will be applied next time the application is re-started.
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Confirming the change in toolbar position
The suspension graphics is drawn in the window titled 2D Display or 3D Display as appropriate for the current module setting. This window cannot be closed, but can be repositioned, re-sized and minimized. Only one graphic window can be opened by the application at a time, (i.e. you cannot open different models at the same time using different graphic windows in the way that a multi-document application like Word would).
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Example 2D Graphic window
Results graphs are displayed in individual windows. Each new graph added opening a new window. The graph windows can be moved, re-sized, closed and minimized. The title of the graph window reflects the plotted variable.
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Example 3D Graph window
By default on start-up only the graphic window and toolbars are drawn, no graphs are displayed until they are added via the Graph / New/Open menu.
The settings for window positions, sizes and variables can be saved such that when the application is re-started all windows are re-opened in the same positions, see SetUp / Save Window Settings.
+$#>Overview Hard Point Dragging
The suspension hard points can be selected from the screen via the mouse and dragged to a new position, the suspension derivatives being re-calculated as the hard point is moved. The selected derivatives that are being displayed graphically are updated during the hard point screen dragging. Point dragging can be in a 2D view along both viewed axes, a single axis or dragging in a 3D view along a selected axis direction.
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Graphics Screen Dragging mode, tracking lines show Y axis direction.
The majority of the point dragging functionality is performed using a combination of left and right mouse buttons. The mouse buttons are also used extensively for the dynamic viewing option and thus this sharing requires a switch between edit mode and dynamic view mode.
Point dragging is one part of the Edit mode. The other two parts are direct editing and joggle editing.
To indicate when the application is in dynamic view mode and when in Edit mode not only are the relevant menus and icons checked but also corners are added to the graphic display when in dynamic view mode.
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Graphics Screen Indicating in Dynamic View mode.
To change to editing mode un-select dynamic viewing using View / Dynamic Viewing / Off. Alteratively select the dynamic viewing icon from the view toolbar.
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Dynamic Viewing Icon- Shown as on.
When in point dragging mode tracking lines are drawn to indicate the current tracking direction(s). To change the current tracking direction the right mouse button will cycle through the available tracking direction options. A similar action is achieved by selecting the mouse icon from the view toolbar.
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Mouse Icon Cycles through tracking options.
Selecting any of the Edit icons changes the mode to edit and cancels the dynamic view mode. In a similar way selecting any of the three dynamic view icons changes to dynamic view mode.
Hard point joggling operates in a similar way to dragging with regard to available directions. The drawn joggle symbol indicates the number of joggle directions available. To use joggle select either Ctrl + Arrow Key for coarse joggle or Shift + Arrow Key for fine joggle. The joggle fine size is a tenth of the coarse size, the coarse size can be set via SetUp / Gen Defaults&
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Example Screen shot of point joggle
Point dragging is affected by both Groups and Coincident points. The settings for groups and point coincidence change a single point pick and drag event into a potential single point pick but multiple point drag. In the case of groups, the current groups points are all translated by the same amount. Whilst for point coincidence only the point or points selected from a displayed list are moved, again all selected points are moved by the same amount.
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Example Coincident point pick
The coincident point selection feature is switched on via the Solve / Point Coincidence menu. When switched off the nearest point to the picked position is always selected. The tolerance used to decide whether two points are coincident can be changed via the SetUp / Gen Defaults& menu. A similar tolerance exists to control whether a point is within the pick region.
The default/standard method of model change during point dragging is to modify the position of a particular point, (or points for the case of a group), to its new position and hence change its relative position to any other point on the same part that hasnt been dragged. This change mode is referred to as Change Part Lengths. An alternative change mode has been added that allows the existing part geometry to be retained. In this Retain Part Lengths mode only the hard points attached to the body (i.e. ground) can be selected and dragged, but when dragged all part lengths and hence point relevant positions are retained on each part in the model.
+$#>Overview Groups
In the 3D mode the hard points can be formed into groups such that when one of that group is selected via the mouse and dragged, the other points in the group are dragged by the same amount, i.e. maintaining their relative positions within the group. This can be used for example to mimic moving a wishbone or suspension upright.
The only visible change to the graphic display when in group mode is that the number of pickable points is reduced to those in the group. Pickable points are drawn in a different colour and size to the non-pickable ones, (this can also be seen normally on static position versus incremental position, where only the static position can be picked). A further indicator as to the active use of a group is when in edit mode the drag lines are only drawn through the current groups points.
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Group Selected Lower Wishbone Points Grouped
The user can define any number of groups, a single point can be a member of any number of groups. Only one group can be current at a time. The group relationship is thus only applied when the group is current and the relationship taken from the point of making the group current.
Group data is saved with the model data file for subsequent re-use. Individual groups can be deleted from the model using SetUp / Groups / Delete selecting the required group to delete by its label.
Users can create groups using the SetUp / Groups / Create... menu item. Give the new group a unique label when prompted. A group is associated with either the front or rear suspension, you cannot add points to one group from both ends. Creating a group thus involves identifying how many points and which points are associated with the group.
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Group Creation Selecting the required points for a three point group
The contents of an existing group can be edited through the SetUp / Groups / Edit menu.
Once a group has been created it has no effect on hard point editing until the group is made current. To make a group current select the required group from the SetUp / Groups / Current menu.
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Making a Group Current
To revert back to conventional data editing with all hard points available cancel the group setting using the SetUp / Groups / Cancel menu item.
A temporary group can be created by the selection of a screen area, the created group will include all points within this selected region. A temporary group created in this way is disabled/cancelled in the same way as a conventional group, but once cancelled is then lost and would need to be re-created if required again.
+$#>Overview Dynamic Viewing
The main graphical window has dynamic viewing via the mouse, that allows translation, scaling and rotation (3D module only), of the suspension graphics.
Dynamic viewing shares the functional use of the mouse and its buttons with the hard point data editing, joggling and dragging functions. Thus to enable both dynamic viewing and editing to use the mouse you switch between the two modes. The dynamic view icon together with the associated menus indicate the status of these two modes, when checked the application is in dynamic view mode and the mouse and its buttons can be used to perform translation, scaling and rotation of the graphics model. Additionally the graphic display has symbols drawn in each corner as a visual indication that the application is in dynamic view mode.
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Dynamic Viewing Indicators marked
The dynamic view mode has three options, (two in 2D), being Translation, Scaling and Rotation. Each of these options has its own icon and menu item, View / Translate View, View / Scale View and View / Rotate View. Selecting any of these options will enable dynamic viewing (if in data editing mode), or just change dynamic view type, (if already in dynamic view).
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Dynamic Viewing View Type Icons
The dynamic view modes use the motion of the mouse between key down and key release to change the view. The translate view mode simply follows the translation of the mouse within the current view plane. The Scale view mode uses the mouse vertical position to scale the current view plane. Moving the mouse up scales the view out, (i.e. model appears further away), whilst moving the mouse down scales the view in.
The rotate dynamic view, (only available in 2D), has two actions depending on the position of initial mouse selection point. Selecting towards the middle of the image will rotate the line of sight, whilst selecting towards the edge of the view will rotate the view around the line of sight only.
When in dynamic view mode the right mouse button will cycle through the available dynamic view options.
+$#>Overview 2D Module
The 2D mode works with reduced hard points, i.e. no springs, dampers, pushrods etc., and is in the cross car view only (Y-Z plane). Construction lines are drawn to show instantaneous centres and kinematic roll centre positions. The user can define the required bump/rebound and roll camber, the bump/rebound and roll centre height and the roll centre lateral motion with roll angle. These are compared on the graphs to the current hard points actual solution or with one of the hard points freed off are used to illustrate on the suspension graphical display the point location that meets the derivative targets.
Note that steering is not considered in the 2D module as it is by definition a 3D phenomena.
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2D module graphics display
In most respects the functionality of the 2D module follows that of the 3D module in-terms of windows, graphics and graphs. Where relevant to the 3D module only features and menus will be disabled.
The 2D module is intended to be a simplified analysis approach with both a reduced variable set and a reduced results set. Its restriction to the cross car plane means that it can not be applied to trailing and semi-trailing type suspensions.
The 2D module has only two basic suspension types, Double Wishbone and Macpherson Strut.
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2D Module template types New model menu
The 2D module can be used as a simplified route to a full 3D module. Once you have achieved your required 2D characteristics use the convert to 3D option, Solve / Convert 2D to 3D, to produce a fully populated 3D single axle model.
Within the 2D module you can use conventional hard point editing, joggling and dragging techniques to modify the suspension derivatives. This the default 2D solve mode as is referred to as Fix All, (Solve / 2D Fix Option / Fix All). In this Fix mode the suspension is fully defined/constrained and the displayed results are as constrained by the 2D mechanism. A range of alternative Fix modes are available where one of the hard point constraints can be Freed up to allow the required camber curve and roll centre height to define the suspension. These required curves must be defined through the relevant graphs User Line data, (use the right mouse menu on the graphs to Edit User Line&.).
The various available Fix modes are set via the Solve /2D Fix Option sub menu.
In the 2D module the point dragging has been extended to include selecting the Kingpin Axis point and changing its angle, selecting the ground offset point to change the Kingpin offset at the ground plane and selecting the tyre contact point to drag and change the track.
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2D Module Example Double Wishbone Top Outer Free
+$#>Overview 2D Suspension Derivatives
The 2D suspension calculated derivatives for bump/rebound articulations are;
1) Camber Angle
2) Roll Centre Height
3) Track Change
Whilst for 2D roll articulation the calculated derivatives are;
1) Camber Angle
2) Roll Centre Height
3) Roll Centre Lateral
All other suspension derivatives are either fixed, (such as Kingpin Angle), or not applicable to the 2D module, (such as toe angle).
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2D Sample Graph Includes User and Scope lines
+$#>Overview 3D Suspension Derivatives
The 3D mode has four articulation types, bump/rebound, roll, steering and a combined mode. The combined mode allows the user to define an path of combined bump and steering to enable wheel envelopes to be established. The suspension derivatives calculated are;
Camber Angle (deg)
Toe Angle (SAE definition) (deg)
Toe angle (Plane definition) (deg)
Castor Angle (deg)
Kingpin Angle (deg)
Damper 1 Ratio (-)
Spring 1 Ratio (-)
Anti Dive (%)
Anti Squat (%)
Roll Centre Height to Body (mm)
Roll Centre Height to Ground (mm)
Roll Centre Lateral (mm)
Roll Centre X (mm)
Roll Centre Y (mm)
Roll Centre Z (mm)
Half Track Change (mm)
Wheel base Change (mm)
Damper 1 Travel (mm)
Spring 1Travel (mm)
Ackermann (%)
Turning circle Radius (m)
Castor Trail (mm)
Castor Offset (mm)
Kingpin Offset (at wheel centre) (mm)
Kingpin Offset (at ground) (mm)
Mechanical Trail (mm)
Right Hand Side Tyre contact Patch X coord (mm)
Right Hand Side Tyre contact Patch Y coord (mm)
Right Hand Side Tyre contact Patch Z coord (mm)
Left Hand Side Tyre contact Patch X coord (mm)
Left Hand Side Tyre contact Patch Y coord (mm)
Left Hand Side Tyre contact Patch Z coord (mm)
Right Hand Side Hub coordinate X coord (mm)
Right Hand Side Hub coordinate Y coord (mm)
Right Hand Side Hub coordinate Z coord (mm)
Left Hand Side Hub coordinate X coord (mm)
Left Hand Side Hub coordinate Y coord (mm)
Left Hand Side Hub coordinate Z coord (mm)
Tyre Vertical Force (N)
Swing Arm Length (Front) (mm)
Swing Arm ctr Y (Front) (mm)
Swing Arm ctr Z (Front) (mm)
Swing Arm Length (Side) (mm)
Swing Arm ctr X (Side) (mm)
Swing Arm ctr Z (Side) (mm)
Roll Centre Height (to Body) (mm)
Roll Centre Height (to Ground) (mm)
TCP dX/dZ Gradient (mm/mm)
Damper 2 Ratio (-)
Spring 2 Ratio (-)
Damper 2 Travel (mm)
Spring 2Travel (mm)
Lunule Steer-Crescent (mm)
Point h Power (mm)
The derivatives can be viewed either individually through the results graphs, select Graphs / New/Open to open a new/additional graph or via the suspension derivative results file (SDF).
The variable actually displayed on the graph is best changed/set by using the right mouse button on the graph of interest and using the Y-Variable menu list.
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Graph Window Showing right mouse button Y-variable menu selection
The SDF file can be displayed via the relevant icon or the Results / List Formatted SDF File menu. The SDF file can be displayed either as a formatted list or as a set of spline coefficients or just as spline data. These last two have a collection of user definable settings that control which articulation types, which results and which ends are shown in the lists.
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Extract of the formatted SDF file display
All displayed graphs and SDF displays can be printed to produce hard copy records via the print menu options provided through the standard WindowsŽ printer dialogues.
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Extract of the SDF splines display
+$#>Overview Limit Boxes
For both modes, hard point limit boxes can be switched on, theses boxes are set to allow only a user specified amount of travel in a specific direction. Thus when switched on, a point, (or a group point), cannot be dragged outside of its limit box. These boxes could perform one of two functions, firstly they could be set to represent packaging limitations, or secondly to indicate production tolerances. In the second case the program can run a tolerance analysis for the chosen hard point at all extremes of the limit box, the spread on the chosen derivatives is displayed on the current graphs.
The display of limit boxes have three settings, On, Off but visible and finally Off and invisible. There is no functional difference between the last two, it merely assists the clarity of the display by removing the additional graphical lines.
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3D Graphic Display showing Limit Boxes as On
The behavior and functionality of Limit boxes is identical between the 2D module and the 3D module with the obvious exception of the reduction of tolerances in only two dimensions.
To control the status of Limit boxes use the pull down menu Graphics / Point Limits sub menu to set as Visible or to set as Use, (note that in this context use means On. Un-checking Use will turn limit boxes off but remain visible, whilst un-checking Visible will set limit boxes to off irrespective of the current setting).
The first use of the Limit Box is as a constraint on how far a hard points position can be moved in any direction whilst joggling or dragging.
If limit boxes are in use then you cannot Joggle or drag a point such that it is moved outside of the limit box. Limit boxes are defined as separate +/- distances in each of the three axes, (or two for the 2D module), i.e. a total of six values for the 3D module and four for the 2D module.
Note that it is still possible to edit a point to a position outside of the limit box even when limit boxes are on. In this instance the limit box is resized to accommodate the new position.
If limit boxes are not in use, (visible or not), when a points position is changed by any of the edit modes, (edit, joggle or drag), the limit box is enlarged if the new position falls outside the currently defined points limits.
Because of this individual point editing, each suspension hard point has its own Limit Box dimensions. These can be individually re-set using the Solve / Edit Point Tolerances& menu, identify the required axle and point, and finally edit the values.
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Selecting the single point prior to editing the limit box settings
To re-set the limit boxes for all point in one step, select Solve / Set All Point Tolerances To& menu and edit the required values, (note that you do not need to enter the negative directions as a ve value, this is assumed).
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Editing the point limit box for all points
The second use of the Limit Box is as a design/manufacturing tolerance analysis tool. This is used in conjunction with the Solve / Point Tolerance Analysis option to display on the graphs the spread of the current derivative over the defined limit box.
Tolerance analysis is applied to a single point at a time, the suspension being solved for its current position, each corner and each mid point of the limit box cube, (total of 27 positions for the 3D module). Before being able to run the tolerance analysis the analysis hard point needs to be identified, (select from tree style selection box). Subsequent tolerance runs will not request for the analysis hard point as by default the previously selected point will be used. To change to a different tolerance point use the Solve / Set Tolerance Point& menu and identify the new point.
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Example tolerance analysis Graphics and Graph displays
With tolerance analysis switched on the model can be dynamically viewed and/or edited in exactly the same way as normally. Because of the increased number of solution loops the refresh time will be significantly increased. Once a tolerance point has been defined you can switch between tolerance on/off either via the menu Solve / Point Tolerance Analysis or the equivalent toolbar icon.
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Tolerance analysis toolbar Icon
+$#>Overview Graphs
The primary results display method for the application is through the derivatives graphs. Each graph show a single user selected derivative over the current suspension articulation. Any number of graphs can be opened and positioned within the display using either the Graphs / New/Open menu or equivalent icon.
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New Graph toolbar Icon
In addition to plotting SDF on the graphs users can also plot Results from some of the graphical elements that have been added to the template, such as the distance between two points. These are then displayed and updated in the same way as SDF graphs. The only restriction is that Graphical element results are not involved in user lines and hence the optimizer.
The appearance and settings of each graph can be changed through either the Graphs pull down menu or the graphs right mouse menu. By selecting a graph with the right mouse button this implies that any changes made from the menu items is applied to the selected graph only.
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Graph right mouse button menu
As each new graph is opened the y-variable is taken as the next in the available list. To change the displayed variable, use the right-mouse menu and select from the available Y-Variable list.
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Graph Y-variable list - right mouse button menu
For a model with both front and rear axles defined, two data lines will be drawn one for each suspension end. They will use different symbols, line colours and show a key to aid identification of the two results. Similarly if both left and right hand wheels are displayed on the graphical display, so both lines will be drawn on the graphs, again using different line colours to identify them.
Eight lines per wheel can be displayed on each results graph, (ignoring repeat lines with tolerance analysis). These lines being the Data Line the User Line and 5x Scope Lines. The data line is the current hard points results. The user line is an editable curve principally for visually identifying the required targets for the derivative. The scope lines are for saving incremental results to enable comparison of subsequent changes to the stored plots.
A number of menus are available to aid moving data between the Line data sets. These include;
Graphs / Copy Front/2D Data to User
Graphs / Copy Rear Data to User
Graphs / Copy Front/2D Scope to User
Graphs / Copy Rear Scope to User
Graphs / Clear Current User Line
The Scope line data is grabbed by using the menu Graphs / Scope Line Store and is cleared by using Graphs / Clear Scope Store. Scope lines are stored in positions 1 to 5. An exclusive option is available to just store the current to position one and empty all other scope lines as well as an option to grab the current line into scope position one having first shuffled any ther scope lines down one position.
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Example graph showing all three line types displayed
The deviation between the Data Line and the current Scope and User lines can be listed as a numerical sum. The displayed value is the cumulative sum of the difference for each calculated position. To display these values use Graphs / Visibility Deviation Values. The scope line used for the difference number can be changed to any of the five positions.
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Example graph showing all deviation values displayed
As a useful aid to identifying suspension characteristics, the gradient of the displayed curves can be listed both next to each individual point and for the ride condition. To turn these on use the Graphs / Visibility / Deviation Values.
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Example graph showing static gradient value highlighted
Additional Graph properties that can be defined are;
Axis Scales: Set the minimum and maximum x and y axis values. The autoscale option can also be used to automatically set the scales.
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Visibility: Set the visibility of individual graph items, Grid Lines, Deviation Values, Point Symbols, Data Values, Derivative Values, Scope Line User Line.
Colours: Sets the colour of individual graph items, Grid Lines, Background, Axis Lines + Text, Border Region, Data Line 2D/3D Front, Data Line 3D Rear, Scope Line 2D/3D Front, Scope Line 3D Rear and User Line.
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Line Markers: Set the marker for individual graph lines, Data Line 2D/3D Front, Data Line 3D Rear, Scope Line 2D/3D Front, Scope Line 3D Rear, User Line 2D and User Line 3D.
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Switch x-y: Switches the position of the x-y axis from the conventional x horizontal y vertical setup.
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Marker Sizes: Sets the size of the markers used for each line type, Data Marker, Scope Marker and User marker.
Text Sizes: Sets the size of the text labels for, Graph Data Values, Compliance Title, Compliance Label and compliance value.
Decimal Points Display: Defines the number of decimal points used to display numerical values. Individual values are X-Data Listing, Y-Data Listing, Derivative Data Listing, Scope Deviation, User Deviation, x-axis label, y-axis label and compliance graph.
+$#>Overview Enhanced Graphics
Enhanced graphical elements can be switched on for improved visualization of the defined model. These options have no impact on the numerical results being just aids to model viewing.
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Enhanced Graphics Menu Item
The elements affected by enhanced graphics are;
Spring, Damper, Wheel (and tyre), Pivot Axes, Grid, Body, Tubes, Tri-Facets, Triad Symbol, Origin marker, C of G marker, Moving ground and wheels and Roll Axis. An additional set of enhanced graphics that indicate a distance measure also form part of the Enhanced graphics function. These provide distance (either in component form or resultant form) from point to point, point to line, line to line etc. Other graphics primitives such as circles, spheres, planes and cylinders also form part of the enhanced graphics set.
For the Body element it is not sufficient to turn this on to get the graphical body image drawn, unless a body type has already been defined either in the file or from the Data menu. To add/modify a default Body to the model use the Data / Body Type sub menu
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Enhanced Graphics body data menu
The settings for enhanced graphics visibility are stored to the users ini file.
To toggle the enhanced graphics visibilitys use the Graphics / Enhanced Visibility menus or the equivalent view toolbar icons.
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Enhanced Graphics toolbar icons highlighted
It is possible to view/edit all graphic settings through one single interface. This Settings display can be opened via the Edit / All Settings menu item or the Ctrl +S shortcut. This provides a single control point for all graphics settings with recourse to a large number of individual pull-down menu selections.
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Graphics Settings Display Graphics Tab Selected
+$#>Overview Defaults
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All user definable settings are saved by the application when it has a normal program exit to its ini file. The location of this ini file depends on the version of Windows currently being used. The file name is shark.ini and will be saved to either C:\windows or C:\winnt. This file is not directly editable by the user but there are occasions when it is useful to understand where it is and what it stores.
All colours, symbols, visibility, line types and graphics size defaults that can be set by the user are saved to this file. In addition it will retain window sizes, folder settings, and recent open files.
At application start-up this file is searched for in the relevant Windows folder and if found read in to overwrite the internal default settings.
In some extreme instances this file can become corrupt preventing the application from correctly starting. It may in this instance be thus necessary to delete this file. Deleting this file will return all defaults to the internally hard coded values.
Data entry is through standard Windows style dialogue boxes. These employ standard text and numeric widgets, together with check boxes and selection boxes. Spread sheet style entry where used supports cut and paste from external applications via the clipboard.
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Example spread sheet data entry
When using paste into a Shark spread sheet it is only necessary to select the location of the top left hand cell of the paste are that the paste is intended to fill, do not drag and highlight the entire target area.
The main data entry to the program will be of the suspension hard points x,y,z co-ordiantes. The normal route to enter this is to select File / New and identify the required suspension end, (or both) and the required suspension template type(s). Each suspension template has default co-ordiante data associated with it to provide a easy model creation process. These default co-ordinates can be changed singularly through the on screen data edit modes of Edit, Joggle and Drag or be edited collectively through a spread sheet. The suspension data can be edited directly from the File New dialogue box at the point of model creation by selecting the relevant icon. Alternatively it can be accessed at any time after model creation via the relevant Data toolbar icon.
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Data toolbar icon suspension co-ordinates display
+$#>Overview Saving Hard Points
In the 3D module the suspension hard points can be saved either to a temporary storage for later recall during the program run, or saved to a new data file to provide a permanent record of the data input for subsequent program runs. The temporary storage facility is not available with the 2D module, the only recourse being to save the to disc as data files.
The menu item Data / Coordinates Save&option will open a text entry box to enable a unique save-set label to be entered. This label is how the user can identify, re-load and delete it at a later stage. Coordinate sets saved in this way are only to temporary storage. Once the application is exited all coordinate save-sets are lost.
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3D Save-Set Label Entry
Once a coordinate set has been saved it can be recalled via the relevant menu entry under Data / Coordinates / Recall Saved sub menu. Additional Save-Set menu items are available to delete either individual save sets, (Data / Coordinates / Delete /&.) or all save-sets, (Data / Coordinates / Delete All).
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3D Save-Set Recalling a saved coordinate set
+$#>Overview Animation
Both the 2D and 3D modules support animation of the defined models. The suspension system will be animated through a sequence of steps, appropriate to the current view mode. In the simplest mode this is over its current articulation distance, i.e. bump/rebound, roll, steer or combined. During the animation users can continue to edit and change co-ordinates, dynamically view the model or any other menu function as normally. To switch the animation on/off select the menu item View / Animation (On/Off).
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Graphics Toolbar icons - Animate Icon highlighted
When in bump/rebound displacement type the animation display is affected by the current setting for ground plane solution type, (Solve / Motion / Ground Plane). In one instance the body points are fixed and the ground plane is moved, whilst in the alternative case the ground plane is fixed and the body points are moved. This does not alter the numerical results for the suspension characteristics only the visual appearance of the animation.
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File Toolbar icons Ground plane Icons highlighted
The animation function also applies to view modes other than displacement articulation. These include deformed geometry, modal shape and Forced-Damped response. A screen display mode tool, View / Set Display Mode Tool& allows control of these display modes.
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Setting the Screen Display Mode
+$#>Overview Edit Undo
After a number of changes to the suspension hard points coordinates, it is possible to step back through the changes undoing them step by step. The menu item Edit / Undo can be used for this or more conveniently the equivalent short cut key strokes Ctrl+Z. If this menu is not available then no edit events are left in the buffer to undo.
The undo buffer length can be modified from the default value, (20 steps), via the SetUp / Undo Buffer Length menu item.
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Edit undo buffer length setting
The edit undo buffer is always emptied whenever a model is loaded or saved. Thus either of these actions will lose the stored changes and hence the ability to undo any previous changes.
The undo buffer can be completely disabled if required by setting the Buffer Length to zero. The only conceivable reason for doing this would be if it was causing an unexplained failure or it was required to run two instances of the product on the same machine, (presuming you are licensed to do so), where the undo scratch files would attempt to overwrite each other.
A by-product of the edit undo feature is that it is used to trap for machine / application failures. The temporary undo files are searched for on start-up and if found indicate a improper previous shut-down of the application. If detected the user is notified and the opportunity given to re-store the latest scratch file.
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Data Recovery dialogue box
+$#>Overview Converting 2D to 3D
Suspension hard points in the 2D mode can be converted to full 3D data set via a program option. The user selects the 3D suspension type required and gives the additional data requirements requested, i.e. wheelbase, kingpin angle etc. Thus migration from a simple 2D concept suspension model to a full 3D suspension is a simple procedure.
Once the required 2D model has achieved the required suspension characteristics, to convert to 3D select Solve / Convert 2D to 3D. The displayed dialogue box requires the user to identify which of the valid default template types should be used, (this list will vary depending on the 2D template type used). In addition specific 3D properties need to be entered to assist in defining the properties in the third dimension.
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2D to 3D conversion data
It is not possible to add a 2D converted model as the rear axle to an existing 3D model that has a front axle already defined. The existing 3D model data will be lost.
+$#>Overview Managing User Lines
User Lines are displayed on the graph results to visually identify the required suspension characteristics as hard point geometry is modified. Since these user lines are not considered to be part of the model, they are not saved to the data file. Thus any entered target user lines are lost whenever the application is closed.
The mechanism for the creation, saving and data-basing of user lines is the Manage User Lines function. Managing user lines is through Data Sets, any number of data sets can be created on either the local machine or a networked server. Each data set can then contain any number of user line sets, (in this instance a user line set refers to a user line for each possible characteristic over each possible articulation mode).
The data set references are stored in the users ini file such that on program start-up these data sets are searched for and if found added to the menu list. Once on the menu list individual user line sets can be loaded from a data set and hence used within the result graphs.
To create a new data set select Graphs / Manage User Lines / Create New DataSet& and browse to the required file location, (creating a new folder if necessary).
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Creating a new Data Set
As part of the data set creation you will be required to define a unique label for the data set. This unique label is how the data set will be referred to when selecting sets from, sets to, or deleting from the list.
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Defining the data set label
Creating a data set will automatically add it to the loaded data sets list. If you require to pick up a data set created by an other user, (and perhaps saved to another networked machine/server), use the Graphs / Manage User Lines / Include DataSet& use the browser in the conventional way to locate the required data set.
When initially created a data set will have no saved user line sets. You must subsequently add your user line sets to the required data set to make it available on subsequent re-use.
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Adding the current user lines definition to a data set.
Once a data set contains user lines these can be subsequently used by selecting Graphs / Manage User Lines / Load From and then select the required data set and user line set, (remember that one data set can contain many user line sets).
+$#>Overview Compliance Solving
The standard solution technique within SHARK is for rigid body kinematic motion only. A separately licensed feature enables a linear complaint analysis to be superimposed on top of the incremental kinematic solutions. This allows users to perform modal analysis and Forced-Damped response.
To invoke the compliant solution select the Solve / 3D Compliance menu option, (note that the complaint solver is not available in the 2D module). If this menu item is greyed out you are not licensed for this feature, (check with your software vendor or local support staff).
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File toolbar icon - Enabling the compliant solver
In its simplest form the compliant solver requires no additional data to be added to the model, (default values are assumed for tyre vertical stiffness and suspension spring rate and preload). It will treat all connection points as spherical rigids. In this form the rigids do have a stiffness value, but a high value. The default value for the rigids can be modified by the user, see Data / Compliance Data / General Data&
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Editing the default Rigids stiffness value
With all rigid joints in the model, the only significant deflection will be caused by the flexibility of the tyre vertical stiffness. The deflection is caused by the suspension spring load. Tyre vertical stiffness values can be accessed through the Data / Compliance Data / Tyre Properties& menu (when in compliant mode) or through the equivalent Graph + Data toolbar icon. Whilst the spring properties are accessed through the Data / Compliance Data / Spring Properties&
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Editing the compliance data spring properties
Additional graphical display features are used within the compliant solver, the visibility of which is set under the Graphics / Compliance Visibility sub menu and their properties under the Graphics / Compliance Colours and Graphics / Compliance Sizes sub menus.
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Example all-rigid compliant model graphical display.
With the compliance model enabled additional results options are available. These include deflections and forces of the joints. Whilst deflections of the joints will be small, until we add compliant bushes, the joint forces can be used to list forces in the system due to the spring load.
All rigid joints can be edited to have compliant bush properties with three translation and three rotation stiffnesses defined. The orientation of the bushes can be aligned along any user specified local coordinate system.
Additional external forces can be applied to the model, any number of forces can be attached to individual parts under user defined magnitude and direction.
The majority of the kinematic plotting, editing and viewing functions are unchanged when using the compliant solver. The only exception involves the data editing of a suspension hard point. With the compliant solver on the data edit window is extended to include the points bush properties.
You can toggle between kinematic and compliant solver types with no loss of data. Complaint bush properties and external forces are all saved as part of the model. Note that even if a model contains compliant data when it is first loaded into the application it will appear in kinematic mode.
+$#>Overview Compliance Bushes
The joints in a compliant model can be either rigid, (in which case they use the default high stiffness value), or bushed. Bushed joints require the user to define three translational stiffness rates values and three rotational stiffness rates, (although some may be zero, particularly the rotational rates).
In compliant solver mode picking a suspension hard point to edit will display not only the points coordinates but also its bush properties. To switch between a Ball Joint (rigid) and a Bush (compliant) check the required box in the edit display. When set to compliant the bush properties can then be edited.
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Bush Editing display Complaint option ringed.
The bush definition requires a local coordinate system to be defined and then three translation stiffnesses and three rotational stiffnesses. The stiffnesses are defined in this local bush axis.
Bush coordinate systems have their origin at the suspensions hard point coordinates. The local z-axis is then defined as either, an absolute position, a position relative to the origin, or as another point in the model. In the case of the point in the model this is a continuous setting such that if the reference point is moved the bush coordinate system is automatically modified.
To complete the axis definition a second point is defined that is assumed to lie in the x-z plane. The point in a plane approach is used rather than a second axis point as it is easier to identify a plane rather than an orthogonal axis. This x-z plane point can be either in absolute coordinates or relative coordinates, (note relative to the origin not relative to the z-axis point).
The defined bush coordinate system can be seen on the 3D graphics display. Both the definition points and the actual orthogonal axes are drawn, subject to separate visibility switches. To ensure both are visible use Graphics / Compliance Visibility / Bush Axis Points and Graphics / Compliance Visibility / Bush Local Axes. When these items are checked they will be drawn on the 3D display.
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Setting the visibility options for the Bush axes.
If the bush axes definition points are visible they can be dynamically picked and edited on screen just like any hard point, (the only difference is that to avoid cluttering the display, the current tracking lines are not drawn through them). Remember that if a z-axis point is defined as a model point then dragging the hard point will also drag the z-axis definition point.
If using coincident points, bush axes definition points will appear on the point lists as model hard point number + 1000 or model hard point number + 2000. The +1000 point is the z-axis point whilst the +2000 point is the x-z plane point.
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3D Display - Bush axes visibility
The bush axes definition points are displayed with labels Pz and Px-z, The local axis points have labels X, Y and Z.
To enable a Forced-Damped response to be predicted in the compliance mode, damping values for each bush need to be defined. Default values are applied in a similar manner to stiffness, the setting for which can be edited through Data / Compliance Data / General Data. Note that for a bush the damping is defined in terms of a loss angle (deg). Damping is also included for the damper(s), this is editable as a property of the damper and is defined in conventional damping terms (N.s/m).
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Damping Editing the Damper Value
+$#>Overview Compliance External Forces
External forces can be applied as part of the compliant model. External forces are defined in sets. The external forces can be applied either in isolation or in addition to the defined spring force. It is also possible to switch all external forces off, or individual force sets, (note you could turn both spring and external forces off and thus have no forces or compliant displacements in the model).
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Controlling the inclusion of the Spring Force
The force set intended for interactive user use is the zero position set. By default an additional 7 further force sets are pre-filled to simulate Lotus standard analysis load cases. The standard sets are saved to the users ini file such that they may be modified to suit particular end users requirements. /users can add/delete user force sets as required. Each force set can contain any number of forces, each force having a defined magnitude attachment point and orientation. To edit the external force data select Data / Compliance Data / External Forces&
The edit display shows one force set and one force in the set at a time to view the properties of other forces or sets use the two sets of arrow keys to migrate through the defined forces.
Each force is associated to a suspension corner of the model, and a part of the model for that corner. Its properties include a magnitude and a direction defined by two points. The two points define the head and tail of the force. Head and tail definitions can be in absolute coordinates or relative coordinates. The relative coordinates being relative to a chosen hard point, (note that added to the hard points list is the tyre contact point).
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External Force Data Edit Add force to set highlighted
Each force set has its own on/off setting, likewise each individual force within a force set has a separate on/off allowing complete customisation of the defined forces.
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External Force 3D Display Longitudinal Force to TCP
External forces are displayed on the 3D graphical display. The display shows both the definition points and the force vector. The external force visibilities are set via Graphics / Compliance Visibilities individual menu items are available the force vector and the force definition axis. External force vectors can be drawn either in fixed length form or at a scaled length, (scaled length based on magnitude). To change the fixed length size, or the magnitude scalar, edit the relevant fields in Graphics / Compliance Sizes / Edit Sizes& Note that changing the visibility setting of forces to off does not imply that they are not used in the calculation of forces.
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Setting external force visibilities and style
If the force axis definition points are visible they can be dynamically picked and edited on screen just like any hard point, (the only difference is that to avoid cluttering the display, the current tracking lines are not drawn through them). Remember that if an axis point is defined as relative to a model point then dragging the hard point will also drag the axis definition point.
If using coincident points, force axes definition points will appear on the point lists as force number + 3000 or force number + 4000. The +3000 point is the head axis point whilst the +4000 point is the tail axis point.
Only one force set can be displayed on the 3D display at any one time. By default this is the zero set. The results displayed in the graphs will also be those of the currently displayed force set. Thus when changing to a different force set both the 3D display and the graphs change to reflect the new load set.
The main use of multiple load sets is to provide a set of compliance coefficients based on standard analysis cases. These can show at a glance the overall compliant response of the suspension model.
+$#>Overview Compliance Coefficients
The compliance coefficients function is aimed at providing a single display of the overall compliant behavior of the vehicle model when subjected to a series of standard forces.
A number of external force sets are defined that together specify a series of tests. Each force set can contain a number of different forces that are applied to various parts with defined magnitude and direction. To assess the complaint response to these force sets using the standard graphs is time consuming and not immediately visual. The compliant coefficients display provide a overall user definable summary of the compliant response.
To display the coefficients display select Results / Display Compliance Values& The display shows for each force set, (including force set 0), a series of bar charts. The number of bars displayed on each forces sets chart depends on both the number of axles modelled and the number of variables selected.
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Compliance Coefficients display
Each bar represents the difference between the kinematic value and the compliant value of the chosen variable at the static ride condition. The compliant value can optionally include the spring force, (see right mouse menu on display).
The height of the bar is controlled by a notional scalar, each variable in each force set has its own full screen deflection scalar. To edit the scalar values select the required variables bars with right mouse button and select Edit Scale Setting. Note that the right mouse menu will appear in either brief or long form depending if the right mouse pick is on a bar area or just on the chart.
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Compliance Coefficients long menu form
Variables can be added to or removed from a individual load sets display using the Add Extra Variable and Remove Selected Variable right mouse menu items.
Each bar can have its own guide limit line added to its display, (by default all values are set as 0 and hence dont appear). This is intended to provide a visual guide to the target curve without needing to read the numerical values of each bar.
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Guide Lines Added to Set 1 display
By default, force set zero is the set displayed on the 3D display and in the graphs. This is indicated on the Compliance display by the red box around its chart. To change the displays to show one of the other force sets use the Make Force Set Default option from the right mouse menu. The red highlight will then indicate the change and the displays refreshed.
The right mouse menu also provides an easy method for turning individual force sets off, (Turn Force Set Off), gaining access to the external force data, (Open External Force Edit), make all force sets on, (Turn All Force Sets On) and toggle the inclusion of the spring force in the compliance calculations, (Include Spring force in Set).
+$#>Overview Deformed Geometry Animation
As with the kinematic solution the compliant model can be animated over the currently specified articulation. The additional feature of animating the displacements of the compliant model is the inclusion to the display of the calculated forces. To set the visibility of the calculated forces set Graphics / Compliance Visibility / Calculated Forces.
The additional animation type that can be applied to a compliant model is that of the deformed geometry. This is similar in concept to the mode shape animation used in Finite Element packages.
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Example Deformed Geometry Plot
Deformed geometry animation, cycles through a series of display steps between the kinematic solutions positions and the compliant position. This animation is performed for a specific articulation position, (normally the ride position), although the user can select which animation position to animate at, (View / Deformed Geometry Position). Where 0 is the ride position 1 is the first bump/roll or steer position, (as appropriate). If the position number entered is greater than the number of increments it will be clipped to the maximum.
Because the deformations can be small animating in steps between kinematic and compliant may need scaling to enhance visualization. The deformed geometry scalar can be set by View / Deformed Geometry Scalar. The setting of this will distort all displayed 3D compliant images, so should be set back to 1.0 when not required.
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Setting the deformed geometry scalar
Deformed geometry animation can be turned on with one of two options, View / Animation (On/Off), with Screen Display Mode set to Deformed Geometry. The two options are with or without spring forces. Whilst both options function in the same way the second option will illustrate the bush deflection due to the applied external forces only and not the combination of external forces and spring force. The Set Display Mode tool allows a convenient single point to control animation and display modes, View / Set Display Mode Tool.
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Specifying Deformed Geometry Display via the display mode tool.
+$#>Overview Hard Point Joggle
The suspension hard points can be selected from the screen via the mouse and joggled to a new position, the suspension derivatives being re-calculated as the hard point is moved. The selected derivatives that are being displayed graphically are updated during the hard point screen joggling. Point joggling can be in a 2D view along both viewed axes, a single axis or joggling in a 3D view along a selected axis direction.
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Graphics Screen Joggling mode, tracking lines show Y axis direction.
The majority of the point joggling functionality is performed using a combination of left and right mouse buttons. The mouse buttons are also used extensively for the dynamic viewing option and thus this sharing requires a switch between edit mode and dynamic view mode.
Point joggling is one part of the Edit mode. The other two parts are direct editing and point dragging.
To indicate when the application is in dynamic view mode and when in Edit mode not only are the relevant menus and icons checked but also corners are added to the graphic display when in dynamic view mode.
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Graphics Screen Indicating in Dynamic View mode.
To change to editing mode un-select dynamic viewing using View / Dynamic Viewing / Off. Alteratively select the dynamic viewing icon from the view toolbar.
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Dynamic Viewing Icon- Shown as on.
When in point joggling mode tracking lines are drawn to indicate the current tracking direction(s). To change the current tracking direction the right mouse button will cycle through the available tracking direction options. A similar action is achieved by selecting the mouse icon from the view toolbar.
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Mouse Icon Cycles through tracking options.
Selecting any of the Edit icons changes the mode to edit and cancels the dynamic view mode. In a similar way selecting any of the three dynamic view icons changes to dynamic view mode.
The joggle symbol indicates the number of tracking directions available and also which of the four arrow keys, (left, right, up and down), is likely to be used. To use joggle select either Ctrl + Arrow Key for coarse joggle or Shift + Arrow Key for fine joggle. The joggle fine size is a tenth of the coarse size, the coarse size can be set via SetUp / Gen Defaults&
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Setting the default Coarse Joggle Step Size
Point joggling is affected by both Groups and Coincident points. The settings for groups and point coincidence change a single point pick and joggle event into a potential single point pick but multiple point joggle, (using a temporary group). In the case of groups, the current groups points are all translated by the same amount. Whilst for point coincidence only the point or points selected from a displayed list are moved, again all selected points are moved by the same amount.
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Example Coincident point pick
The coincident point selection feature is switched on via the Solve / Point Coincidence menu. When switched off the nearest point to the picked position is always selected. The tolerance used to decide whether two points are coincident, can be changed via the SetUp / Gen Defaults& menu. A similar tolerance exists to control whether a point is within the pick region.
+$#>Overview Point Coincidence
The Point Coincidence function controls the modification of hard point coordinates. When enabled selecting a point that is in close proximity to another the user is prompted to identify, which of the points within the coincidence tolerance is to be edited. To enable point coincidence select Solve / Point Coincidence.
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Enabling point coincidence
Coincidence tolerance defines the radius in the view plane from the picked point that is used to check for coincident points. If coincident points are found a menu is displayed listing the points found. You can then either select one of the identified points or All Points. Selecting all points is equivalent creating a temporary group, all points are then moved by the same amount, (note that this does not make them coincident).
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Example Coincident point pick
When the coincident point function is switched off the nearest point to the picked position is always selected. The tolerance used to decide whether two points are coincident, can be changed via the SetUp / Gen Defaults& menu.
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Setting the Coincident point tolerance
+$#>Overview Data File Text Editor
The Data file text editor is a dialogue box that can be used to view and edit data files in a purely textual environment. This is an advanced user feature only that is primarily intended for debugging use and is not recommended as a normal working practice. This is primarily because the data file format is not formally declared.
To load a saved data file into it use the local menu File / Open alternatively to load the current model into the display select from the local menu File / Load Current.
Any edited changes can either be saved to a file , File / Save or File / Save As or the current model can be updated with the contents of the text display using File / Make Current.
Note that the current model and the data text display are only synchronized when a Load Current or Make Current command has just been made. Once a data change in either has been made they will only then be synchronized when the change is made current to the other.
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Screen Shot Text Data File Editor
+$#>Overview Hard Point Editing
Hard point editing is the simplest method of editing single suspension hard points values. In the 3D module complete display and editing of the hard points can be carried out via the alternative spread sheet display.
The mouse buttons are used extensively for both editing and the dynamic viewing option and thus this sharing requires a switch between edit mode and dynamic view mode.
Direct editing is one part of the Edit mode. The other two parts are point dragging and joggle editing.
To indicate when the application is in dynamic view mode and when in Edit mode not only are the relevant menus and icons checked but also corners are added to the graphic display when in dynamic view mode.
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Graphics Screen Indicating in Dynamic View mode.
To change to editing mode un-select dynamic viewing using View / Dynamic Viewing / Off. Alteratively select the dynamic viewing icon from the view toolbar.
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Dynamic Viewing Icon- Shown as on.
When in edit mode tracking lines are drawn to indicate the current tracking direction(s). This is not relevant to the hard point-editing mode as tracking only applies to the dragging and joggle edit modes.
Selecting any of the Edit icons changes the mode to edit and cancels the dynamic view mode. In a similar way selecting any of the three dynamic view icons changes to dynamic view mode.
When in direct editing mode to edit a point select it with the left mouse button on the graphics display. The displayed dialogue box will be different if in the 2D module or the 3D module.
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2D Direct Data Editing
3D data editing lists the selected hard points x, y and z co-ordinate. To change simply edit and select Ok. Note that the cancel button or the Esc key will close the edit box and ignore any changes. To subsequently undo a change, use the undo function.
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3D Direct Data Editing
+$#>Overview Import and Export to Adams Sub Systems
A utility routine is provided that enables suspension hard point coordinates to be transferred to and from an Adams sub-system model. This transfer is facilitated by the use of a supplementary text string that can be assigned to each hard point within Lotus Suspension Analysis (LSA). This text string is the label that is used within the Adams sub-system (and thus relies on consistent naming within your Adams sub-systems). The routine works on one end at a time since an Adams sub-system model would normally only have a single suspension corner modeled. Thus if the LSA model is a full vehicle, the user needs to identify which LSA end is to be used. See local menu setting under Data / Import to Front or Data /Import to Rear. The same setting is assumed on Export only the local menu text changes.
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The Import/Export Display , Shown for Import, scale, shift and switch items highlighted.
The import and export routine also has the option to shift the values, scale the values and switch the axis order. On import the shift is added to the value in the Adams sub-system, whilst on export the shift is subtracted from the LSA value. A shift value can be defined independently for x, y and z. A similar editing display is provided for the scale settings, the default values for which are 1.0.
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Editing The Shift values for Import and Export.
The axis switch settings are set through a selection display. The default setting is for direct association of equivalent axes, i.e. x with x etc. This can be changed should a switch be required.
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Editing The Switch settings for Import and Export.
The individual point text strings are stored as part of the template descriptions. Thus they can either be edited through the normal template editor dialogue display on the points tab or they can be edited from within the Import/Export window via the Data / Edit Point Label Strings menu option. In both case these settings would need to be saved either with the data file, (by enabling template save to the data file, see settings menu options) or by saving the modified template as a user defined or custom template. Each point can have three associated text strings, the first is for the point position whilst two others are provided to identify local bush axis positions. All text fields are optional and can be set to Not Defined if not required or unknown. A special text description DERIVED is used for some points such as the stub axle point and the strut lower slider axis point. These are not extracted directly from the sub system file but are calculated either in the case of the strut point from the other points or as in the case of the stub axle point, from additional extracted data values. The point strings can also be maths functions such as [(P1+P2)/2.0]. The use of a maths function is indicated by the use of square brackets [ ] to bound the string. This indicates that the point string should be treated as a maths string with reference to other points via their position in the template i.e. P4 is the fourth point in the template. As points are processed in order it is possible to use this sequence to use a maths function to define point 5 and then reference point 5 in a latter points definition, say point 8. Note that the point number is position in the template and not the local point number as defined in column 1 of the settings tab of the template editor. The maths function reader is loosely based around Fortran syntax. Key intrinsic functions recognized include, SQRT, SIN, COS, TAN, SIND, COSD, TAND, ASIN, ATAN, ACOS, ASIND, ACOSD, ATAND, LOG10, SINH, COSH, TANH, LOG, EXP AND ABS. The standard symbols +, -, * (for multiply), /, **(for power) are used whilst simple round ( ) brackets can be used within the string to force computation sequence.
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Editing the Text Strings through the Template Editor.
From within the Import display three menu items are provided to access the three text fields, Data / Edit Point Label Strings, Data / Edit Bush Z-axis Label Strings and Data / Edit Bush X-Z Plane Label Strings. These provide a local means of editing the template settings.
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Editing the point label strings from the import display.
Additional strings are used to identify supplementary model data. They also provide a means by which left and right is identified since this may be subject to local language issues. The Data / Edit General Label Strings menu item displays these current settings. Because they are considered local user settings rather than model specific they are saved as part of the users ini file.
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Changing the General Settings Strings.
To import hard points from a sub model first ensure that the relevant point strings and general strings are correct for the current template. Open the import display and use the File / Open (sub system) to locate and load the required sub system model. The data extraction can be previewed in the lower display section using the File / Import Hard Points (Preview) menu option.
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Example Hard Point Import, template type 1.
To populate the current LSA model with the values extracted from the sub-system use the File / Import Hard Points. If settings have been changed from the default for the shift, scale and switch they are applied in the order Shift then Scale and then Switched.
The Export function works in the same manner as Import but the order of shift, scale and switch is reversed.
+$#>Overview Adding a Hard Point to a Model
The number of hard points in a model is controlled by the appropriate template. Points can be added by modifying the template using the standard template editor, see File / Edit Templates menu item. Additional points can be added to a model directly through the graphical viewer via the Edit / Add Point menu items. These added points would not normally be used to modify the overall connectivity but more likely be used to add additional user graphics.
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Adding a Hard Point to the existing model, add options highlighted.
Points can be added through the menu either to ground (i.e. the body) or to any picked part. When adding to the body the user must provide the new position in global coordinates. A point added to an existing part can be added in absolute coordinates, relative to a point or between two points. When adding points to a part, once the part is picked the display will switch to just show that part and its associated points in a similar manner to the free body display. When in Part pick mode, the part labels are made visible and the part centre points drawn.
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Adding a Hard Point via the template editor, .
+$#>Overview Adding Graphics to a Model
Graphical elements are stored as part of the template structure and control the visual appearance of a model. The user can add additional graphics elements by direct editing of the template through th e standard template editor, see File / Edit Templates menu item. Additional graphical elements can be added to a model directly through the graphical viewer via a series of menu items under the Graphics / Add sub-menu.
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Adding a Graphical Element to the existing model, add options highlighted.
Each added element is appended to the current template list, thus by adding graphics from the menu the user is modifying the template. To retain these changes users need to ensure they save the modified template either by inclusion into the data file, or by saving the template to a custom or user template file.
Graphical elements can be picked on screen and deleted if required. Again this will remove them from the current template and permanent changes would need to be saved as indicated above.
The list of available graphical elements is broken down into nine sub sections listed below;
Line
Cylinder
Circle
Sphere
Facet
Plane
Distance
Components
Angle
Each sub section has a number of specific ways of defining the associated primitive.
Lines:
Pnt-Pnt Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. Two hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part.
Pnt-Vector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required, a line is drawn through the first point whos direction is set by the vector defined by the second and third picks, points need not be on the same part. The first and second picks can be the same point. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Pnt-Xvector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required, a line is drawn through the picked point in the global X axis direction. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Pnt-Yvector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required, a line is drawn through the picked point in the global Y axis direction. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Pnt-Zvector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required, a line is drawn through the picked point in the global Z axis direction. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Pnt-Plane-Norm: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. A line is drawn through the selected point in a direction normal to the selected plane. The plane is identified by three point picks. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Pnt-UserVector: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. A line is drawn through the selected point in a direction defined by a user vector. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Cylinders:
Pivot: Adds a new Pivot graphical element to the selected ends template. Two hard point picks are required, both points need not be on the same part.
Tube: Adds a new Tube graphical element to the selected ends template. Two hard point picks are required, both points need not be on the same part.
Vector-Radius-Length: Adds a new cylinder graphical element to the selected ends template. Drawn through the selected point in a direction defined by the second and third point picks. The radius and length of the cylinder are defined directly.
Circles:
Pnt-Pnt-Pnt: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required through which is drawn a circle, both the circle centre and radius are calculated and displayed as part of the graphical display.
Cntr-Rad-Norm: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required. The circle is drawn centered at the first point of a defined radius and whos normal is defined by the second and third picks. The first and second picks can be the same point.
Cntr-Pnt-Plane: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required. The circle is drawn centered at the first point and is drawn through the second point, (i.e. defines the radius), in a plane that contains the third picked point. All picked points must be different.
Pnt-Normal: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required. The circle is drawn through the first point about the defined normal vector. All picked points must be different. The derived circle centre and radius is drawn as part of the graphical element display.
Spheres:
Pnt-Pnt Radius: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. Two unique hard point picks are required. The sphere is centered at the first pick and the radius is set by the second pick.
Pnt Radius: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required. The sphere is centered at the pick and given the radius specified by the user.
Pnt-Pnt Dia: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. Two unique hard point picks are required. The sphere is centered at the mid point of the two picks, the radius being half the distance between them.
Pnt-Pnt-Pnt-Pnt: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. Four unique hard point picks are required. The sphere is drawn through the selected four points. Four points will define a unique sphere whos calculated radius and centre position is identified as part of the drawn graphical element.
Facets:
Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Facet: Adds a new Triangular Facet graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part.
Pnt-Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Facet: Adds a new Four noded Facet graphical element to the selected ends template. Four unique hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part. Whilst points need not be in a plane, any facet drawn of non-planar nodes is not fully defined.
Planes:
Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Plane: Adds a plane graphical element to the selected ends template. Three unique hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Pnt-X-Y Plane: Adds an X-Y plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Pnt-X-Z Plane: Adds an X-Z plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Pnt-Y-Z Plane: Adds an Y-Z plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Pnt-UserVector Plane: Adds an plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. The orientation of the plane is controlled by two user defined vectors. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Distance
Pnt-Pnt Dist: Adds a point to point distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any two hard point picks are required, both points must be on the same suspension corner. The display shows the total distance between the two points.
Pnt-Line Dist: Adds a point to line distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any three hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The last two picks define the required line. The display shows the total perpendicular distance between the point and the line.
Line-Line Dist: Adds a minimum distance between two lines graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first two picks define one line whilst the last two picks define the other required line. The display shows the minimum normal distance between the two lines as a total distance.
Pnt-Plane Dist: Adds a points distance from a plane as a graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first point is the required point whilst the last three picks define the required plane. The display shows the normal distance between the point and the plane as a total distance.
Components
Pnt-Pnt Comps: Adds a point to point distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any two hard point picks are required, both points must be on the same suspension corner. The display shows the distance between the two points in its x, y and z components.
Pnt-Line Comps: Adds a point to line distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any three hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The last two picks define the required line. The display shows the perpendicular distance between the point and the line in its x, y and z components.
Line-Line Comps: Adds a minimum distance between two lines graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first two picks define one line whilst the last two picks define the other required line. The display shows the minimum normal distance between the two lines in its x, y and z components.
Pnt-Plane Comps: Adds a points distance from a plane as a graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first point is the required point whilst the last three picks define the required plane. The display shows the normal distance between the point and the plane in its x, y and z components.
Angles:
Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Angle: Adds an angle between three points graphical element to the selected ends template. Any three hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The middle picks is the point for which the angle is given. The display shows the angle created by the three point picks in degrees.
Individual graphical element types have their own specific data requirements some are unique to each element and others are relevant to each class of element. These settings and values can be edited by picking the relevant element. Hint, hover over the approximate centre of an element and check the status bar prompt to confirm required element will be selected.
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+$#>Overview Free Body Graphical Display
The free body display mode can be switched on via the View / Free Body Diagram& pull down menu. When enabled the display changes to show only the selected part and its associated points, graphical elements and forces. In this mode the interface functions exactly as normal, i.e. dynamically viewed, animated, edited etc but only that parts elements are involved. A small selection box is used to control the free body mode enabling the user to select the required corner and part.
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Setting the Part for Free Body Display.
The free body mode can be cancelled either by un-checking the menu item that was used to enable it, or by closing the free body selection box.
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Example free body display for a lower wishbone in compliant mode.
+$#>Overview Kinematic Sum Display
The kinematic sum display is a means by which the weighted sum of the deviations of selected results when compared to a target value can be displayed. This single value allows a simple metric to be used to compare a change in a particular suspension property effect over a whole range of results.
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Kinematic Sum Display.
Results that can be included into the sum include all graphs results, (visible or otherwise), and all compliance bar graphs. Individual weighting factors can be applied to each selected result. A number of convenience functions are provided to automatically set these weighting values mostly based around the current display axes settings.
The sum value is the cumulative of all individual deviations from target. In the case of the compliance coefficients these targets are set by selecting each bar chart in turn and defining the required value. In the case of the characteristic graphs, (i.e. toe, camber castor etc.), the target line is the user line set for each graph. The deviation is then the difference between either the single target value (for the compliance coefficients) or the average of the differences of the actual curve from the defined line for a characteristic graph.
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Example Characteristic Graph, showing its contribution to the sum.
The importance of the Kinematic Sum is that since it can be used by the user to view the impact of a single change on a set of potential compromise results, it can also be used by an optimization routine as indicating the direction of change for achieving an optimum design. This optimization potential is covered in the next section.
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Overview The Internal OptimizerThe kinematic sum is used to apply a sensitivity-based optimization to the model. Parameters are defined that have a start value, range and increment. Parameters can be point position, bush stiffness and bush orientation. The Kinematic sum as discussed previously can optionally include any characteristics graph or compliance coefficient.
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Expanded Optimizer Display, View / Details option checked.
The settings for the optimization are editable through a single display. With sections for defining which results to include, weightings to apply and settings for parameters.
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Optimizer Parameter Summary.
Parameters are applied in reverse sensitivity order, the most sensitive applied last. A sensitivity threshold value is applied such that parameters that do not significantly affect the sum can be automatically screened. As the optimization is proceeding the graphical display is updated and a rolling display shows the changes to the sum.
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Optimizer Rolling Sum Display.
Once the optimizer run has finished the user is asked to confirm acceptance of the changes. Selecting no will return the model to the pre-run condition. User can stop a run early either through manual interjection or through a software defined minimum target value.
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Overview Display UnitsThe units used in the display of both the data and the results can be changed from the default settings of Angle - deg, Length mm, Mass - kg and Force - N to other available options. The options are given below for each variable type. A user defined unit option is also available for each parameter.
Angle: Radian
MilliRadian
Degree (default)
Minutes
User-Defined
Length: Meter
milliMeter (default)
User-Defined
Mass: Kilogram (default)
User-Defined
Force: Newton (default)
decaNewton
User-Defined
It must be remembered that this is a viewing option only and data files will always be saved using the original default unit settings. This also applies to the text editor within the program since this is merely an editor of saved data files.
The units can be set either from the New Model display or directly from the menu items View / Change Units.
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The settings for each unit includes a scale factor, the number of decimal points (to add or remove compared to the default settings) and the label.
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These view unit settings are saved as part of the users configuration ini file and are not saved with the data file. Whilst the units can be changed at any time, it should not be carried out when you have a data display window open as this could lead to incorrect data unit conversions.
+$#>Overview Modal Analysis
Modal analysis can be applied to any compliant model. To correctly predict modal frequencies and shapes the part masses and bush stiffness must be defined. The modal analysis calculates as many natural frequencies as there are degrees of freedom in the model. Frequencies are sorted into ascending order and the user can select an individual mode to view/animate. Mode shapes can be selected and animated via the View / Set Display Mode Tool.
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Setting the display mode to Mode Shape 8th mode Selected.
The required mode shape can either be set via the selection box to the right of mode shape toggle or through the Modal Frequencies results plot. To display the Modal Frequencies results plot select Results / Modal Analysis Display.
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Modal Frequencies Screen Shot 8th mode Selected.
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Modal Frequencies Main View 5th mode Selected.
+$#>Overview Forced-Damped Analysis
The Forced damped analysis takes a compliant modal and calculates the amplitudes of all points in the model over a specified frequency range under the current force set. Defining the required force set is important as this controls which natural modes will be excited. The force can optionally include the spring force(s). Damping is added to the model for both the damper elements and the bushes. Bush damping is defined by a loss angle setting whilst the damper elements have their damping directly defined.
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Changing the View to Forced Damped 15.4 Hz selected
The forced-damped display can be for any specified frequency. This can be set either via the slider in the set display mode dialogue box or directly in the value entry. In addition the response of the system through a complete frequency sweep can be displayed, Results / Forced-Damped Speed Sweep Display. The displayed graph can be control to set the required range and amplitude scales. Because this speed sweep is relatively time consuming to perform, (in Shark terms at least), this speed sweep display is only updated when first opened or when the refresh option is selected.
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Forced-Damped Speed Sweep Display 15.4 Hz point shown
As with the modal analysis the forced-damped response for the current frequency can be viewed/animated in the main window with a defined scaler.
+$#>Overview Creating a Full Axle Model
The simplest type of template is for an independent suspension based on a single corner, (one wheel). For some suspension types such as rigid axles you will always need to model both wheels in the initial template. Whilst with independent suspensions you have the option to make them single wheel or double wheel template. If it is required to analyze the impact of suspension parts that connect both corners together such as steering rack, anti-roll bar and sub-frames then a full axle model would be required.
To convert a corner template to a full axle you can either edit the template directly through the template editor, File / Edit Templates or use the convenience data menu options. If you edit the template directly you will need to duplicate all the existing points changing the default Y co-ordinate to be the mirror of its partner, tag the specific points such as upper ball joint(2) and set the point symmetry options. Far simpler is to use the convenience function Edit / Convert Corner to Axle Model which completes all this for you.
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Default Template 1 converted to full axle model
Once converted to a full axle template you can now add features such as the compliant rack and anti-roll bar. Further convenience functions are available to simplify these tasks. The compliant rack add menu Edit / Add Two Part Rack to Model option requires the user to identify which part the roll-bar drop link should be attached to. Once selected the user is prompted for a point position and then all necessary modifications are made to the template. It should be remembered that this template modification needs to be saved, either as a custom template, user template or saved with the data file (Setup / Include User Templates In Data Files).
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Anti-roll Bar Added to Full axle version of Default Template 1.
To add a compliant rack to the template use Edit / Add two Part Rack to Model, this just requires both the left and right steering attachment points have been tagged in the template so that the rack can be correctly included into the model.
+$#>Overview User Defined Custom Controls
Users who wish to build their own custom displays can do so through the Window / Open New Custom Control Display menu option. Dialogue boxes created in this way can be distributed to other users as saved specification files. Individual user settings are saved as part of the ini file such that they are available for repeat use.
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Example custom template dialogue box- showing data sliders
These custom displays are completely editable not only in terms of widget content but also the associated commands, data values and results. Thus a custom display can be used to group a set of specific data variables together into a single window with some specific menu commands. Alternatively they may provide a collection of results graphs for standard results viewing.
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Example custom template dialogue box - showing data and results options
To create your own custom display, select the Window / Open New Custom control Display menu option. This will display a new empty display, (save for simple text widgets). To change the display, select the 'Edit' option. You can modify, add and delete widgets from the display.
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New display in 'edit' mode
To delete an existing widget(s) select the widget with the mouse and 'delete'. The right mouse menu has a number of functions that allow you to align widgets to improve appearance.
Widget types that can be added include, Buttons, Toggles, Sliders, Text Display/Entries, Value Display/Entries, Icon Buttons, Gauges, SDF Graphs, Bar charts and Bars. Each has a set of properties that can be edited via the 'Properties' option. The properties specific to the dialogue box can be edited through the right mouse menu.
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Properties display for dialogue box
Users can save the settings for a particular display such that it can be shared with other users. Custom control settings are automatically include in a users ini file for future use. To save it for use by other users, in 'Edit' mode select the save option and define the required file name and location. Users can then use the 'load' option to use this file to create their own copy of it. A custom control display is not lost by simply closing the display, its settings are saved and is available from the list of displays at any time in the future. To permanently remove a custom display from the list you must use the 'WinDelete' option whilst in 'Edit' mode.
+$#>Getting Started Start-up Steps
Starting the program can be considered to consist of the following steps;
1) Start the executable, locate either from the Start menu, (normally Start / Programs / Lotus Engineering Software / Lotus Suspension Analysis), or through explorer. Browse to the installed folder (normally c:\lesoft), and run the suspension analysis executable shark.exe.
2) Select the solution module required from either 2D or 3D, and the required articulation type. The default is to open in the 3D module under bump/rebound articulation.
3) Set the required display units.
4) Optionally load any required user defined templates.
5) Enter the required suspension data, either from an existing saved file or through the new file options.
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+$#>Getting Started Program Start-up
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During program start-up a number of system checks are performed. The users ini file is searched for and if found, loaded to overwrite the internal defaults. User line data bases if referenced are also checked for and added to the relevant menus.
During program start-up the searching for a subsequent loading of the users ini file can in exceptional circumstances, results in an error message. This implies a corrupt ini file possibly due to a previous partial save or inappropriate editing, (the ini file should not be edited by hand).
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Error message ini file read failure
Selecting okay will continue to start the program, but with only a partial reading of the ini file, (partial up to the point of read error). Partial reading of the ini file may cause problems which may require the program to be closed and restarted. If the problems persists, (as it may, since the invalid settings will be written back into ini file when the program has a normal exit), the only option may be to delete the ini file, see Defaults.
Whilst strictly not a start-up error, the other possible start-up event that may occur is the detection of a previous runs temporary scratch file. This is interpreted as a previous run incorrectly shutting down, as these temporary scratch files used for the undo feature, are deleted on normal program exit.
If a scratch file(s) is identified, the user is given the option of recovering the most recent file and thus avoids potential data loss.
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Data Recovery Message
+$#>Getting Started Graphics Frame Types
The interfaces main graphics display has two alternative drivers. The default device driver is a Windows GDI, (View / Graphics Frame Type / Windows GDI), which whilst it works with all Hardware options does so at the expense of both speed and capability. The GDI driver is unable to support depth buffered display and hence the view styles View / Fill Style / Hidden Line and View / Fill Style / Depth Buffered (Flat shaded ) do not function correctly. The alternative device driver is Open GL, (View / Graphics Frame Type / Open GL), which is both faster and supports depth buffering/hidden line display types.
Not all hardware is able to use the Open GL device type, typical failures are inability to refresh and lack of correct hidden line display.
+$#>Getting Started Window Descriptions
The application window layout utilizes a Multi Document interface (MDI) style. Where display and graph windows are displayed as children of the main window. The main window has a top menu bar and four toolbars which have optional positions. The graphical display is drawn in a 3D viewing window, whilst individual graphs have separate windows.
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Example screen shot Overall appearance of application
+$#>Getting Started Module Type
On program start-up by default the application will go into the 3D module, and in bump/rebound articulation mode. Since the 2D and 3D module data sets are completely separate, change to the required module before starting data entry.
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Setting the application module Toolbar Icons
The menu entry Module / Shark sub menu can be used to select the required module and articulation type.
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Setting the application module pull-down menu options
Note that it is possible for the application to detect that a data file being loaded is a 2D or 3D data file and if necessary it will switch to the appropriate module.
+$#>Getting Started Data Entry
At start-up the main form of data entry to the program is the suspension hard points coordinates, (irrespective of module). To load an existing data file use the File / Open... menu item, (note that the five most recently opened files are appended to the File menu). To create a new model select the File / New menu item set the required suspension end(s) to model and the required suspension type. All new models created in this way will be fully populated with default values, not only for the suspension hard points but also all other data requirements, (i.e. tyre sizes).
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Creating a new model
These default values can now be edited whilst still within the new model dialogue box by selecting the relevant icon. Alternatively the Done option can be selected to view the new model and the main Edit functions used to revise the data.
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Editing the default co-ordinates data
It is possible to have an asymmetric model. If this is required then the check box at the top of the new model dialogue should be un-selected.
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Getting Started Exiting the ProgramThe close the program select the File / Exit menu item, and then confirm the okay to exit prompt. Alternative methods to close the application include the conventional X from the windows top right corner, Alt+F4 or close from the main windows top left menu. In addition the esc key will close the application, (subject to accepting the prompt).
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Okay to exit prompt
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - File
File / New: Creates a new model. Opens the new model dialogue box to create a new suspension model. This is also the route to adding a new front or rear suspension to the current model file, i.e. convert a single axle model into a full vehicle model.
File / Open: Opens the standard Windows file browser to locate the required existing file to load. Note that file open will lose the current model data. The file reader is able to identify the difference between a 2D and 3D data file and will if necessary change module.
File / Add End from File: Opens the standard Windows file browser to locate the required existing file to load the suspension end from. This 3D only option allows the user to add to a single end model the other suspension end from an existing saved file. Only the suspension geometry and compliance properties are loaded from this second file. You cannot use this option if you already have both ends defined. If you have a full vehicle model and want to switch one end to a saved model you must first remove one the required end by using the File / New menu and un-checking the relevant selection box.
File / Import Hard Points from / Adams Sub System: Opens a split screen text editor window that allows the user to load an Adams Sub System model file and extract the hard point geometry directly from it via text recognition strings defined in the template. A preview feature allows the identified Sub System sections to be viewed and the hard point values found.
File / Import Hard Points from / User A Format: Opens a split screen text editor window that allows the user to load an User specific model file and extract the hard point geometry directly from it via text recognition strings defined in the template. A preview feature allows the identified Sub System sections to be viewed and the hard point values found.
File / Export Hard Points from / Adams Sub System: The reverse of the previous Adams menu item. Opens the same split screen text editor window that allows the user to load an Adams Sub System model file and populate it with the current hard point geometry directly to it via text recognition strings defined in the template. A preview feature allows the modified Sub System to be viewed prior to applying the extraction.
File / Export Hard Points from / User A Format: The reverse of the previous User A format menu item. Opens the same split screen text editor window that allows the user to load a User specific format model file and populate it with the current hard point geometry directly to it via text recognition strings defined in the template. A preview feature allows the modified Sub System to be viewed prior to applying the extraction.
File / Save As: Opens the standard Windows file browser to enable the current model to be saved to disc. Browse to the required folder and enter/select the required file name.
File / Run Virtual Compliance Test: This option provides a data link between the two modules of Lotus Suspension Analysis. The full vehicle handling module requires a number of splines that define the motion of the un-sprung corner masses under a variety of loading and displacement conditions. This data would conventionally come from physical testing of a vehicle on a SKCMS rig. This option allows you to take a Shark full vehicle compliant model and run it through a series of virtual tests to produce these splines. This option is only available for models with both front and rear suspensions defined. To produce valid results any anti roll bars and the compliant steering rack option should be included in your model. Whilst this option will still run if these are not added the opposed and parallel tests will not correctly identify the cross car force linking if not added.
File / Re-Read Default Templates (skip user): This menu option will remove all currently defined templates and revert back to the hard coded default template definitions. The user templates file is not loaded even if it exists.
File / Re-Read Default+User Templates: This menu option remove all currently defined templates and revert back to the hard coded default template definitions. It will then search for and if found re-read the data file that contains the user defined additional 3d kinematic template information. It is defined as additional since the original hard coded templates are always available, (unless overwritten by the external defaults file or a user loaded set).
File / Add Custom Templates: This option allows a user to read a separate templates file. This file can either add to or overwrite the currently defined templates. This potential to overwrite includes both the hard coded defaults and any loaded from the users file. Templates are identified by a position index, thus if you load a template as index 4 it will replace the hard coded default template.
File / Save Custom Templates (All): This option allows the user to save the complete current template set to an external data file. This data file will then contain the current settings for the hard coded templates any added from the defaults file and any loaded from a custom templates file.
File / Edit Templates: Opens a multi-panel spread sheet display that allows the user to edit and create templates. The user can view the settings of the existing templates, (including hard coded templates) and use the existing templates as a start point for a new template.
File / File Text Edit&: Opens the Data file text editor. This dialogue box can be used to view and edit data files in a purely textual environment. This is an advanced user feature only that is primarily intended for debugging use and is not recommended as a normal working practice. This is primarily because the data file format is not formally declared.
File / Exit: Closes the application, subject to confirmation of okay to exit.
Appended to the bottom of the File menu, is a list of the last five (max) opened files.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items Module
Module / Shark / 2D Bump: Changes to the 2D module in Bump articulation mode.
Module / Shark / 2D Roll: Changes to the 2D module in Roll articulation mode.
Module / Shark / 3D Bump: Changes to the 3D module in Bump articulation mode.
Module / Shark / 3D Roll: Changes to the 3D module in Roll articulation mode.
Module / Shark / 3D Steer: Changes to the 3D module in Steer articulation mode.
Module / Shark / Combined Motion: Changes to the combined Bump and Steer articulation mode. This allows a user defined combination of bump travel with steering lock to be specified for analyzing items such as ball joint travel and wheel envelope
Module / Raven / STD Interface: Changes to the Raven module. This will only be available if you are licensed for this full vehicle-handling module, (licensed separately from Shark).
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Data
Data / Model Properties: Edit model properties via the tree structure display window. Expand required sections to locate individual data fields. Select required data field and edit displayed value.
Data / View / Edit Coordinates 2D: Displays 2D model coordinates for viewing and editing in a simple single column spread-sheet, (only available in 2D module).
Data / View / Edit Coordinates Front: Displays 3D model front coordinates for viewing and editing in a multi column spread-sheet, (only available in a 3D module with a front axle included).
Data / View / Edit Coordinates Rear: Displays 3D model rear coordinates for viewing and editing in a multi column spread-sheet, (only available in a 3D module with a rear axle included).
Data / Parameters: Lists the Parameters data set for viewing and editing. This data set includes the values controlling the articulation limits, overall vehicle properties such as wheelbase, C of G height, brake split, drive split and brake type.
Data / Raven Conv. Parameters: Lists the static values used when populating the virtual SKCMS data file. These single values are not calculated as part of the test nor are they part of the Shark data file, hence these editable default values are used.
Data / Raven Corner Parameters: Lists the corner values used when populating the virtual SKCMS data file. These corner values are not calculated as part of the test nor are they part of the Shark data file, hence these editable default values are used.
Data / Body Type: Defines the body graphics used in the 3D display. Options currently limited to the internal options or none. Envisaged expanding to include user defined body sets. Current options include, none, Saloon, Open sports, Old Single Seater, Single Seater, Utility, Super Saloon, Minivan and user defined. Select the required option. Visibility controlled by separate visibility switch.
Data / Edit User Body Data: For the user defined body option this menu is enabled to allow direct editing of the lines and facets used to define the body. This allows existing default types to be modified and/or import of STL files to represent the body.
Data / Tyre Sizes: Lists the Tyres data set for viewing and editing. In kinematic mode this lists the rolling radius for the front and rear axles, together with the width. The tyre width value is purely for graphical visualization, it does not alter the analysis results. When in compliant solver mode two additional values are listed, these being the tyre vertical stiffness settings.
Data / Steering Type: For front suspensions this defines if the steering mechanism is a rack or a steering box. A steering box system requires additional hard points to be defined. When first changing a model from rack to steering box, the application will prompt for the coordinates of the steering box.
Data / Edit Box Coords: Only enabled when steering type is set to steering box. This displays the current steering box hard points coordinates in a simple spread-sheet display.
Data / Titles: Lists the Titles data set for viewing and editing. The titles have no visual impact within the interface merely act as text labels within the data file. Little used feature of limited use included for backwards compatibility.
Data / Compliance Data / Bush Properties (All): Opens the Bush data display section. All joints can be edited from this display both in terms of their kinematic coordinates and their compliant properties. The compliant bush properties include the definition of the bushs local coordinate system as well as the bush stiffness properties.
Data / Compliance Data / Bush Properties (Stiffness): Opens the bush stiffness display window. It consists of a series of sliders that allows the selected bushes individual stiffness properties to be changed via sliders updating both the calculations and the displayed images simultaneously.
Data / Compliance Data / Spring Properties: Lists the Spring data set for viewing and editing. The spring properties control the spring force applied to the compliant model through defining the free length, fitted length and linear rate. Note that the visual appearance of the spring is set under the Graphics / Enhanced Sizes section.
Data / Compliance Data / Damper Properties: Lists the Damper data values for viewing and editing. This lists the Damper rate used for the front and rear dampers. Note that damper1 would be that normally used for the single damper in a corner model. Damper2 would be that used either for a second damper in a corner model or the damper for the second corner in a full axle model. Note that Individual damper properties can be altered by selecting them via the 3d view whilst in edit mode.
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Damper Properties
Data / Compliance Data / Tyre Properties: Lists the Tyres data set for viewing and editing. This lists the rolling radius for the front and rear axles, together with the width. The tyre width value is purely for graphical visualization, it does not alter the analysis results, also given is the tyre vertical stiffness values.
Data / Compliance Data / External Forces: Opens the external force display window. This enables all external force data sets to be edited. Properties include magnitude, part attachment, orientation by head and tail definition and each force/sets on/off setting.
Data / Compliance Data / Roll Bar Properties: Lists the roll bar properties for front and rear suspensions, used in the compliant model if a roll bar has been included. Properties are for the roll bar rate in terms of N.mm/Rad.
Data / Compliance Data / General Data: Displays the values used for default stiffnesses. The first is the singularity stiffness required by the solver for parts such as tie rods that mathematically have a degree of freedom, and secondly the stiffness used for rigid ball joint. Mathematically the ball joints are not treated as rigid but bushes with very high stiffness in all three translation directions.
Data / Mass Data / C of G Properties: Displays the defined Mass properties of the current model. The mass properties specify the C of G values for each part in terms of magnitude, position and orientation. Its layout/requirements are similar to those used for the definition of bush stiffnesses.
Data / Coordinates / Save: Saves the current suspension hard points to a temporary store, given a unique label for possible later retrieval. This temporary store only exists whilst the application is open such that all saved coordinate sets are lost when the application is closed. Any number of sets can be stored.
Data / Coordinates / Recall Saved: Recalls a saved hard point sets, replacing the current values with those in the temporary store. Saved sets identified by their label.
Data / Coordinates / Delete Saved: Deletes a saved hard points set from the temporary store. Only valid use is the simplifying of the displayed options through reduced menu list.
Data / Coordinates / Delete All: Deletes all saved hard point sets from the temporary store. Quicker than deleting one at a time if looking to start the storing from scratch.
Data / Set Static Angles&: Opens a simple data entry window that allows the user to set the static camber and toe angles directly. By defining the angles the stub axle points position is modified to obtain the required angles. The co-ordinates of the wheel centre are left unaltered.
Data / Set/Edit Combined Motion Profile&: Opens a dialogue window for the display and editing of the combined bump/rebound and steering envelope. This profile is used for identifying limits of ball joint articulations and future uses will include wheel envelopes.
Data / Use Extended Bump Travel: Enables the extended bump/rebound travel option. If unchecked the program solves at even increments of bump travel as specified by the increment value within the defined limits. When checked the solver runs through a specific prescribed list of bump positions. Note that -ve is rebound +ve is bump. The individual values are set through the following menu option.
Data / Edit Extended Bump Travel&: Opens a data list dialogue box to display/edit the extended bump travel data. These values are only used when the above option is checked. Each bump position can be given a label. This label is used within graph x-y listing for recognition by appearing on the status bar when 'hovering' over a plotted point.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Edit
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Edit / Undo (Ctrl+Z): Edit undo provides a function that after a number of changes to the suspension hard points coordinates, it is possible to step back through the changes undoing them step by step. This menu can be used or often more conveniently by using the equivalent short cut key strokes Ctrl+Z. If this menu is not available then no edit events are left in the buffer to undo.
Edit / Redo (Ctrl+Y): provides a function that after a number of undo changes to the suspension hard points coordinates, it is possible to reapply the the changes that have been undone. This menu can be used or often more conveniently by using the equivalent short cut key strokes Ctrl+Y. If this menu is not available then no edit events are left in the buffer to redo.
Edit / Modify Mode: Sets the data edit mode as either Edit, Joggle or Drag. More normal to use equivalent convenience File toolbar icons.
Edit / Change Mode: Sets the change mode as either Change Part Lengths or Retain Part Lengths. The default change mode is to change the lengths and relationships between points on a part as a hard point is modified. The Retain Part Lengths option restricts the pick-able points to just those that are connected to ground but retains the defined part lengths as a point is modified.
Edit / All Settings (Ctrl+S): Opens a single display window that allows a single point of access to a large number of the graphical, graph and setup settings. This consolidated display supplements the existing individual menu structure to provide quicker overall control of the display.
Edit / Add Point / to Ground, Abs Position&: Adds a new point to the current template. If both front and rear ends are in the model and displayed the user is prompted to identify to which end the point should be added. A new point is added to the template and attached to the ground. The user is then presented with the current properties for editing.
Edit / Add Point / to Ground, Rel to Point Pos Adds a new point to the current template. If both front and rear ends are in the model and displayed the user is prompted to identify to which end the point should be added. Only the points associated with the ground are made visible for suitable selection. The user must select a point on the part relative to which the new point is defined.
Edit / Add Point / to Ground, Between Points Adds a new point to the current template. If both front and rear ends are in the model and displayed the user is prompted to identify to which end the point should be added. Only the points associated with the ground are made visible for suitable selection. The user must select two points on the part between which is added the new point.
Edit / Add Point / to Part, Abs Position&: Adds a new point to the selected part. On selection of this menu the Part labels and notional centres are made visible for suitable selection. Once selected a point is added at the user defined absolute position.
Edit / Add Point / to Part, Rel to Point Pos&: Adds a new point to the selected part. On selection of this menu the Part labels and notional centres are made visible for suitable selection. Once a part has been selected only this part is made visible and the user must select a point on the part relative to which the new point is defined.
Edit / Add Point / to Part, Between Points&: Adds a new point to the selected part. On selection of this menu the Part labels and notional centres are made visible for suitable selection. Once a part has been selected only this part is made visible and the user must select two points on the part between which is added the new point.
Edit / Add to Model / Spring 1: Provides an interactive picking method of adding a spring to the current model. It requires the user to pick the two spring end points, the order being the end attached to the body followed by the end attached to the suspension. Thus it requires the required point positions to already exist in the model, (use Add Point / to Part and Add Point / to Ground menu options to do this if they dont already exist). This can also be performed by directly editing the template via the template editor. This Add changes not only the model but also the underlying template. Thus if the change is to be retained the template must also be saved. Note that if the Spring 1 already exists in the current template you cannot add it again. You must delete it first or change the point association via the template editor.
Edit / Add to Model / Spring 2: Provides an interactive picking method of adding a spring to the current model. It requires the user to pick the two spring end points, the order being the end attached to the body followed by the end attached to the suspension. Thus it requires the required point positions to already exist in the model, (use Add Point / to Part and Add Point / to Ground menu options to do this if they dont already exist). This can also be performed by directly editing the template via the template editor. This Add changes not only the model but also the underlying template. Thus if the change is to be retained the template must also be saved. Note that if the Spring 2 already exists in the current template you cannot add it again. You must delete it first or change the point association via the template editor.
Edit / Add to Model / Damper 1: Provides an interactive picking method of adding a damper to the current model. It requires the user to pick the two damper end points, the order being the end attached to the body followed by the end attached to the suspension. Thus it requires the required point positions to already exist in the model, (use Add Point / to Part and Add Point / to Ground menu options to do this if they dont already exist). This can also be performed by directly editing the template via the template editor. This Add changes not only the model but also the underlying template. Thus if the change is to be retained the template must also be saved. Note that if the Damper 1 already exists in the current template you cannot add it again. You must delete it first or change the point association via the template editor.
Edit / Add to Model / Damper 2: Provides an interactive picking method of adding a damper to the current model. It requires the user to pick the two damper end points, the order being the end attached to the body followed by the end attached to the suspension. Thus it requires the required point positions to already exist in the model, (use Add Point / to Part and Add Point / to Ground menu options to do this if they dont already exist). This can also be performed by directly editing the template via the template editor. This Add changes not only the model but also the underlying template. Thus if the change is to be retained the template must also be saved. Note that if the Damper 2 already exists in the current template you cannot add it again. You must delete it first or change the point association via the template editor.
Edit / Add to Model / Part C of Gs / to Part, Abs Pos: Provides an interactive means by which a parts C of G may be added to the model, (this can also be done directly through the template editor). The user must identify which part the C of G point is to be applied to by picking from the now visible part labels. The user then specifies its actual location in absolute global co-ordinates.
Edit / Add to Model / Part C of Gs / to Part, Rel to Point Pos: Provides an interactive means by which a parts C of G may be added to the model, (this can also be done directly through the template editor). The user must identify which part the C of G point is to be applied to by picking from the now visible part labels. To define its location the user must then pick a point on this part and specify its location relative to the selected point.
Edit / Add to Model / Part C of Gs / to Part, Between Points: Provides an interactive means by which a parts C of G may be added to the model, (this can also be done directly through the template editor). The user must identify which part the C of G point is to be applied to by picking from the now visible part labels. To define its location the user must then pick two points on this part the C of G is then positioned midway between these selected points.
Edit / Convert Corner to Axle Model: In some instances even for an independent suspension it is required to model a complete axle rather than a corner model. This may be because it is required to include a compliant rack, anti roll-bar, sub-frame or any connecting part. This can either be done by hand through the template editor or by using this convenience function. This single click operation will review the current template and then add the necessary parts, point, connections and graphics to produce a full axle template. To retain this modified template either save it with the model file or as a user or custom template.
Edit / Add Two Part Rack to Model: This function provides a simple single click method of adding a two-part compliant rack to the template. It can only be applied to a full axle model, as it needs both steering attachment points to have already been defined in the template. This option adds two parts, (the rack cross-link and the rack bush), six new points, (including both connection points and C of G points), four new bushes and associated graphic elements. To retain this modified template either save it with the model file or as a user or custom template.
Edit / Add Roll Bar to Model: This function provides a simple method of adding a roll-bar to the current models template. It can only be applied to a full axle model, as it needs to connect to both suspension sides. The type of rollbar it adds uses two points to ground and drop links from the bar ends to the suspension part. Thus the user must pick the attachment part and define a point on this part for the drop link to attach to. You do not pre-define this connecting point but enter its global position as part of the Add Roll Bar function, (it is automatically mirrored across to the other side). This function adds three new parts, ten new points, seven new bushes and associated graphics. The reason for the odd number of bushes is because the roll bar stiffness is defined through a revolute bush placed such that it joins the two halves of the roll bar. To retain this modified template either save it with the model file or as a user or custom template.
View / Refresh: Updates all graphical displays, both Graphics and Graphs.
View / Dynamic Viewing: Menu option to switch between dynamic viewing and edit modes. Either by a toggle action or by specific selection..
View / Translate View: Sets the dynamic view mode to translate. If currently in edit mode this will also cause a change to the dynamic view mode. Translation by left mouse button hold and move.
View / Scale View: Sets the dynamic view mode to scale. If currently in edit mode this will also cause a change to the dynamic view mode. Scale by left mouse button hold and drag vertically.
View / Rotate View: Sets the dynamic view mode to rotate. If currently in edit mode this will also cause a change to the dynamic view mode. Rotation by left mouse button hold and move.
View / Pick View Centre: Allows the view centre to be picked. The pick is based on the nearest picked hard point. The current view is translated such that picked point becomes the view centre, no change is made to either the scale or orientation of the view. Subsequent view rotations will be about this new object point.
View / Zoom: Pick the area of the display to zoom to fit current window. The zoom function can accommodate either a two press approach to area selection or a single press, hold and drag selection, a simple time delay trap being used to identify which type is being used. The zoomed view will retain the correct aspect ratio, (i.e. no distortion is allowed), and thus the final displayed region will include additional regions at either the top and bottom or both sides.
View / Autoscale (Ctrl+A): Resets the graphical view such that all drawn components appear within the display window. Note that this is only applied to the graphics window and not the graphs.
View / Fill Style: Sets the fill style to be used in the graphics display. Not all the fill style options are supported by every machine. Two graphics frame driver options are used one of which will not correctly support two of the fill styles. The fill styles available are, Wire Frame, Filled, Hidden Line and Depth Buffered (flat shaded). The later two will not work correctly unless the graphics frame type has been set to OpenGL
View / Std Views: Three orthogonal views are offered to aid simple planar viewing of the 3D model. The std views are y-z (front view), z-x (side view) and x-y (top view). Equivalent view toolbar icons are also available.
View / Saved Views / Save&: Saves the current 3D view settings to a temporary store, given a unique label for possible later retrieval. This temporary store only exists whilst the application is open such that all saved views are lost when the application is closed. Any number of views can be stored.
View / Saved Views / Recall Saved: Recalls a saved view, replacing the current view with that in the temporary store. Saved views are identified by their labels.
View / Saved Views / Delete Saved: Deletes a saved view from the temporary store. Only valid use is the simplifying of the displayed options through reduced menu list.
View / Saved Views / Delete All: Deletes all saved views from the temporary store. Quicker than deleting one at a time if looking to start the storing from scratch.
View / Set Background Colour&: Opens a standard colour selection dialog to pick a new colour for the background colour used in the graphics display. Note that graphs have their ow ncolour settings and are not affected by this change.
View / Graphics Frame Type: Sets the graphics frame device type as either Windows GDI or Open GL. The default device driver is a Windows GDI, (View / Graphics Frame Type / Windows GDI), which whilst it works with all Hardware options does so at the expense of both speed and capability. The GDI driver is unable to support depth buffered display and hence the view styles View / Fill Style / Hidden Line and View / Fill Style / Depth Buffered (Flat shaded ) do not function correctly. The alternative device driver is Open GL, (View / Graphics Frame Type / Open GL), which is both faster and supports depth buffering/hidden line display types.
Not all hardware is able to use the Open GL device type, typical failures are inability to refresh and lack of correct hidden line display.
View / Set Display Mode Tool&: Opens the display mode tool. This provides a single dialogue box that can be used to control all 3d view display modes. The four available display modes are;
Articulation Display
Deformed Geometry (compliance mode only)
Mode Shape (compliance mode only)
Forced-Damped (compliance mode only)
Each of the four display modes can be animated.
The articulation display can be set as one of the following;
Full + Half + Static (normal articulation displacement display)
Full + Static (normal articulation displacement display)
Static Only (normal articulation displacement display)
All Steps (normal articulation displacement display)
Single Step (define which step from current articulation list)
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The compliant deformed geometry is shown for a specified articulation position and for a defined scaler. This scaler is applied to the actual compliant displacements to enable small displacements to be visualized.
The compliant Mode Shape display is for a selected mode. The modes are identified by number rather than by frequency, (although the frequency value is shown on the 3d view). A scaler is also applied to modal displays to enable small modal displacements to be visualized.
The Forced-Damped display shown for a specified frequency. A scaler is applied to the amplitudes to enable small displacements to be visualized.
As an alternative to using the display mode tool, individual menus can be used to set the display mode and associated properties.
View / Screen Display / Full+Half+Static: Sets the display mode to Articulation Display and will show the suspension at full travel, mid travel and static. The travel will be bump/rebound, roll or steer as appropriate to the current analysis mode.
View / Screen Display / Full+Static: Sets the display mode to Articulation Display and will show the suspension at full travel and static. The travel will be bump/rebound, roll or steer as appropriate to the current analysis mode.
View / Screen Display / Static Only: Sets the display mode to Articulation Display and will show the suspension at static position only.
View / Screen Display / All Steps: Sets the display mode to Articulation Display and will show the suspension at all calculated travel points. The travel will be bump/rebound, roll or steer as appropriate to the current analysis mode.
View / Screen Display / Single Step: Sets the display mode to Articulation Display and will show the suspension at a specified single travel step. The travel will be bump/rebound, roll or steer as appropriate to the current analysis mode. A number greater than the actual available steps will be clipped to the limiting value.
View / Screen Display / Deformed Geometry: Sets the display mode to Deformed Geometry showing the suspensions compliant deformation at a specified single travel step. The currently specified scaling factor will be applied to all displacements.
View / Screen Display / Mode Shape: Sets the display mode to Mode Shape showing the suspensions modal shape for the static position for the currently specified mode number. The currently specified scaling factor will be applied to all modal displacements.
View / Screen Display / Forced-Damped: Sets the display mode to Forced-Damped showing the suspensions forced response for the static position for the currently specified frequency. The defined scaling factor will be applied to all amplitudes.
View / Single Step Display: Sets the single step position for the Articulation display mode when it is set to single step. This can be a number between 0 and n where 0 is the static position and n is some point through the travel. The more intuitive way to set this is through the Display mode Tool as this gives each single step as a labeled list.
View / Deformed Geometry Scalar: Defines the scalar used in the deformed geometry animation and display. Is only applicable for the compliant solver mode. Scalars are used to exaggerate the calculated compliant displacements, such that the deformations can be viewed on the display.
View / Deformed Geometry Position: Sets the incremental articulation position for which the deformed geometry will be animated at. Zero is the static ride position. A number greater than the actual available steps will be clipped to the limiting value.
View / Mode Shape, Scalar: Defines the scalar used in the Mode Shape animation and display. Is only applicable for the compliant solver mode. Scalars are used to exaggerate the calculated modal displacements, such that the mode shape can be viewed on the display.
View / Mode Shape, Mode No.: Sets the mode number for display. Mode numbers are used rather than frequency values, although the associated frequency is shown on the 3d view. The lowest frequency is mode No. 1.
View / Forced-Damped, Scalar&: Defines the scalar used in the forced-damped animation and display. Is only applicable for the compliant solver mode. Scalars are used to exaggerate the calculated forced displacements, such that the deformations can be viewed on the display.
View / Forced-Damped, Frequency&.: Sets the frequency value for display. The frequency can be set anywhere between 0 and 1000 Hz.
View / Animate (On/Off): Switches on animation of the suspension(s) for the currently defined display mode. All standard viewing and editing functions can still be used whilst the animation is on. The actual display mode, position, articulation type etc are controlled through other menu settings, (see above).
View / Free Body Diagram: Changes the graphical display to just show the points, forces and graphical elements associated with a single part. The selection menu allows the user to pick for the selected corner any available part.
View / Change Units: Opens the utility for setting the Angle, Length, Force and Mass display units. Options are given for each as well as an option to have a user defined unit display.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Tracking
Tracking / Toggle: Not strictly a toggle, but a cycle through the available tracking options. The available tracking options change depending whether the current view is orthogonal or not.
Tracking / All: Only applicable if in an orthogonal view. All actually means two axis, i.e. all axes in the current orthogonal view.
Tracking / X: Changes the tracking direction to the x-axis. If the selection is not valid, for instance if in the y-z orthogonal view, then this selection is ignored.
Tracking / Y: Changes the tracking direction to the y-axis. If the selection is not valid, for instance if in the x-z orthogonal view, then this selection is ignored.
Tracking / Z: Changes the tracking direction to the z-axis. If the selection is not valid, for instance if in the x-y orthogonal view, then this selection is ignored.
Tracking / Visible: Sets the visibility of the tracking lines. Note that tracking lines are only visible when in dynamic view mode.
Tracking / Length: Tracking lines are drawn on the display to a fixed length. The size of this graphical length can be changed from the default value through the opened edit box.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Graphics
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Graphics / Point Nos: Toggles the visibility of the template point numbers on the graphical display. The size and colour is user definable. All settings are saved to the ini file.
Graphics / Point Labels: Toggles the visibility of the template point labels on the graphical display. The size and colour is user definable. All settings are saved to the ini file.
Graphics / Point Limits / Visible: Toggles the visibility of the Limit boxes. If this turns the visibility to off it will also if necessary set the Use to off, i.e. the limit boxes can only be in use if visible. Toggling the visibility to on does not make them in use, i.e. limit boxes can be visible but not in use. The in use setting is controlled by the next menu item.
Graphics / Point Limits / Use: Toggles the point limit boxes use setting. When in use they limit the joggling or dragging of hard points to within the limited region. Limit boxes are also used for tolerance analysis.
Graphics / Point Values: Toggles the visibility of the x,y and z coordinates for the suspension hard points. When on the static coordinates are drawn adjacent to each hard point.
Graphics / Part Nos: Toggles the visibility of the template part numbers. When on the template part numbers are drawn at the geometric centre of each part.
Graphics / Part Labels: Toggles the visibility of the template part labels. When on the template part labels are drawn adjacent to the geometric centre of each part.
Graphics / Part C of G Visibility / C of G Marker: Toggles the visibility of the part C of G markers. Part C of Gs can only be drawn when in compliant mode. Part C of G markers are drawn as green and black quadrant style images similar to the body C of G marker.
Graphics / Part C of G Visibility / C of G Axes Points: Toggles the visibility of the part C of G axis points. Part C of Gs can only be drawn when in compliant mode. Part C of G axis points can be picked and dragged as well as edited to re-define the C of G axes. C of G axes are used to orientate local mass properties.
Graphics / Part C of G Visibility / C of G Local Axes: Toggles the visibility of the part C of G local axes. These graphic axes show the current local axes as defined by the local axis points. Part mass properties are defined relative to these local axes.
Graphics / Enhanced Visibility: Controls the visibility of the enhanced graphics items. Options are given to switch individual graphic types on and off, Toggle all enhanced graphic types, set them all to on or set them all to off. For the purpose of this menu the Enhanced graphics items are, Spring, Damper, Wheel, Bushes, Grid and Body. The other items in this visibility list are not affected by the global enhanced status changes, only theyre own individual settings. These are; Triad, Origin Marker, C of G marker, Moving Ground/wheels and Roll axis.
Graphics / Display Ends: Sets the visibility switch for each suspension end. This enables the display to show both, front only or rear only, in a model that contains two axles. Menu has no relevance to a single axle model.
Graphics / Display Both Sides: For visualization enables the viewing of both suspension sides on an axle when the template is defined as a single corner. For full axle templates this switch will have no effect. Menu acts as a toggle, so un-check menu to disable viewing.
Graphics / Colours: Provides control over individual plot element colours. Modified colours settings are stored to the users ini file. The elements that can be defined via this menu include; Static Links, Incremental Links, Static Points, Incremental Points, Picked Points, Static Roll Centre Position, Incremental Roll Centre Position, 2D Axis Lines, 3D Drag Lines, Triad, Static 2D Construction Lines, Incremental 2D Construction Lines, Limit Lines (on), Limit lines (off), Point Values and Point Nos.
Graphics / Colours / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant graphics element colours back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphics / Enhanced Colours: Provides control over individual Enhanced plot element colours. Modified colour settings are stored to the users ini file. The elements that can be defined via this menu include; Static Spring, Incremental Spring, Static Damper, Incremental Damper, Static Wheel, Incremental Wheel, Wheel Fill, Static Bushes, Incremental Bushes, Grid, Static Body, Incremental Body and Body Fill.
Graphics / Enhanced Colours / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant enhanced graphics element colours back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphics / Enhanced Sizes / Edit: Displays the Enhanced graphics element sizes for viewing and editing. Changes are stored to the users ini file. Properties that can be edited include; Spring Diameter, No of Spring Coils, Lower Damper Tube Diameter, Upper Damper Tube diameter, Damper No. of Facets, Pivot Diameter, Pivot No. of Facets, Tyre No. of Facets, Tyre Diameter Shoulder ratio, Tyre Width Shoulder Ratio, 3D Tracking Line Length, Joggle Symbol Size, C of G Symbol Size and Ground Plane Grid Size.
Graphics / Enhanced Sizes / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant enhanced graphics element sizes back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphics / Label Sizes / Edit: Displays the current Label sizes for viewing and editing. Changes are stored to the user ini file. Sizes that can be changed are the hard point values size and the hard point number size.
Graphics / Label Sizes / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant label sizes back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphics / Compliance Colours: Provides control over individual compliance plot element colours. Modified colour settings are stored to the users ini file. The compliance elements that can be defined via this menu include; Ball Joint (Rigid), Bush (Compliant), Tyre Spring, External Force and Calculated Force.
Graphics / Compliance Colours / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant compliance graphics element colours back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphics / Compliance Sizes / Edit: Displays the compliance graphics element sizes for viewing and editing. Changes are stored to the users ini file. Properties that can be edited include; Ball Joint Diameter, Ball Joint Circumferential Complexity, Ball Joint Height Complexity, Bush Radius, Bush Length, Bush Circumferential Complexity, Bush Height Complexity, Bush Axis Length, Tyre Spring Diameter, External Force Head, External Force Fixed Length and External/Internal Force Scaled Length.
Graphics / Compliance Sizes / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant compliance graphics element sizes back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphics / Compliance Visibility: Controls the visibility of the complaint graphics items. Options are given to switch individual graphic types on and off. For the purpose of this menu the Compliant graphics items are, Ball Joints, Bushes, Tyre Spring, Bush Axis points, Bush Local Axis, External Forces, External Force Axis, Calculated Forces and Calculated Force Values.
Graphics / Compliance Visibility / External Force Type: Two types of compliant external force display are available. Either a Fixed length arrow that does not change with its magnitude or a scaled force vector whose magnitude is multiplied by a graphical length scalar.
Graphics / Copy to Clipboard: Copies the current graphical display to the Windows clipboard such that it can be pasted into other applications.
Graphics / Save to File: Saves the graphics display to a file. Three file formats are supported, bmp, jpg and png.
Graphics / AVI File Writer&: Opens the AVI file write dialogue. This provides a set of simple to use methods for creating AVI files. Users can create an AVI based on the currently defined displacement, animating over the defined range. Or creating an animation sequence from a series of individual screen shots. The AVI file can be for the full graphics screen or a selected portion. No compression is currently used so whilst file sizes are larger, the issue over LCD projectors being unable to show due to unsupported compression is avoided.
Graphics / Add / Line / Pnt-Pnt Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. Two hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part.
Graphics / Add / Line / Pnt-Vector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required, a line is drawn through the first point whos direction is set by the vector defined by the second and third picks, points need not be on the same part. The first and second picks can be the same point. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Graphics / Add / Line / Pnt-Xvector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required, a line is drawn through the picked point in the global X axis direction. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Graphics / Add / Line / Pnt-Yvector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required, a line is drawn through the picked point in the global Y axis direction. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Graphics / Add / Line / Pnt-Zvector Line: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required, a line is drawn through the picked point in the global Z axis direction. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Graphics / Add / Line / Pnt-Plane-Norm: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. A line is drawn through the selected point in a direction normal to the selected plane. The plane is identified by three point picks. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Graphics / Add / Line / Pnt-UserVector: Adds a new Line graphical element to the selected ends template. A line is drawn through the selected point in a direction defined by a user vector. The line is drawn to a global clipped length.
Graphics / Add / Cylinder / Pivot: Adds a new Pivot graphical element to the selected ends template. Two hard point picks are required, both points need not be on the same part.
Graphics / Add / Cylinder / Tube: Adds a new Tube graphical element to the selected ends template. Two hard point picks are required, both points need not be on the same part.
Graphics / Add / Cylinder / Vector-Radius-Length: Adds a new cylinder graphical element to the selected ends template. Drawn through the selected point in a direction defined by the second and third point picks. The radius and length of the cylinder are defined directly.
Graphics / Add / Circle / Pnt-Pnt-Pnt: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required through which is drawn a circle, both the circle centre and radius are calculated and displayed as part of the graphical display.
Graphics / Add / Circle / Cntr-Rad-Norm: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required. The circle is drawn centered at the first point of a defined radius and whos normal is defined by the second and third picks. The first and second picks can be the same point.
Graphics / Add / Circle / Cntr-Pnt-Plane: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required. The circle is drawn centered at the first point and is drawn through the second point, (i.e. defines the radius), in a plane that contains the third picked point. All picked points must be different.
Graphics / Add / Circle / Pnt-Normal: Adds a new Circle graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required. The circle is drawn through the first point about the defined normal vector. All picked points must be different. The derived circle centre and radius is drawn as part of the graphical element display.
Graphics / Add / Sphere / Pnt-Pnt Radius: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. Two unique hard point picks are required. The sphere is centered at the first pick and the radius is set by the second pick.
Graphics / Add / Sphere / Pnt Radius: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. One hard point pick is required. The sphere is centered at the pick and given the radius specified by the user.
Graphics / Add / Sphere / Pnt-Pnt Dia: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. Two unique hard point picks are required. The sphere is centered at the mid point of the two picks, the radius being half the distance between them.
Graphics / Add / Sphere / Pnt-Pnt-Pnt-Pnt: Adds a new Sphere graphical element to the selected ends template. Four unique hard point picks are required. The sphere is drawn through the selected four points. Four points will define a unique sphere whos calculated radius and centre position is identified as part of the drawn graphical element.
Graphics / Add / Facet / Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Facet: Adds a new Triangular Facet graphical element to the selected ends template. Three hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part.
Graphics / Add / Facet / Pnt-Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Facet: Adds a new Four noded Facet graphical element to the selected ends template. Four unique hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part. Whilst points need not be in a plane, any facet drawn of non-planar nodes is not fully defined.
Graphics / Add / Plane / Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Plane: Adds a plane graphical element to the selected ends template. Three unique hard point picks are required, points need not be on the same part. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Graphics / Add / Plane / Pnt-X-Y Plane: Adds an X-Y plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Graphics / Add / Plane / Pnt-X-Z Plane: Adds an X-Z plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Graphics / Add / Plane / Pnt-Y-Z Plane: Adds an Y-Z plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Graphics / Add / Plane / Pnt-UserVector Plane: Adds an plane graphical element to the selected ends template drawn through the selected pick. The orientation of the plane is controlled by two user defined vectors. All plane elements are drawn clipped to a global value, (which the user can edit).
Graphics / Add / Distance / Pnt-Pnt Dist: Adds a point to point distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any two hard point picks are required, both points must be on the same suspension corner. The display shows the total distance between the two points.
Graphics / Add / Distance / Pnt-Line Dist: Adds a point to line distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any three hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The last two picks define the required line. The display shows the total perpendicular distance between the point and the line.
Graphics / Add / Distance / Line-Line Dist: Adds a minimum distance between two lines graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first two picks define one line whilst the last two picks define the other required line. The display shows the minimum normal distance between the two lines as a total distance.
Graphics / Add / Distance / Pnt-Plane Dist: Adds a points distance from a plane as a graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first point is the required point whilst the last three picks define the required plane. The display shows the normal distance between the point and the plane as a total distance.
Graphics / Add / Components / Pnt-Pnt Comps: Adds a point to point distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any two hard point picks are required, both points must be on the same suspension corner. The display shows the distance between the two points in its x, y and z components.
Graphics / Add / Components / Pnt-Line Comps: Adds a point to line distance graphical element to the selected ends template. Any three hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The last two picks define the required line. The display shows the perpendicular distance between the point and the line in its x, y and z components.
Graphics / Add / Components / Line-Line Comps: Adds a minimum distance between two lines graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first two picks define one line whilst the last two picks define the other required line. The display shows the minimum normal distance between the two lines in its x, y and z components.
Graphics / Add / Components / Pnt-Plane Comps: Adds a points distance from a plane as a graphical element to the selected ends template. Any four hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The first point is the required point whilst the last three picks define the required plane. The display shows the normal distance between the point and the plane in its x, y and z components.
Graphics / Add / Angle / Pnt-Pnt-Pnt Angle: Adds an angle between three points graphical element to the selected ends template. Any three hard point picks are required, all points must be on the same suspension corner. The middle picks is the point for which the angle is given. The display shows the angle created by the three point picks in degrees.
Graphs / New/Open: Opens a new graph window. Each new graph will by default take the use y-variable from the available list. To change the y-variable once opened use the mouse right button menu options.
Graphs / Visibility: Controls the visibility of the graph items. Options are given to switch individual graph items on and off. For the purpose of this menu the graph items are; Grid Lines, Deviation Values, Point Symbols, Data Values, Derivative Values, Scope Line, User Line and the Fit Line.
Graphs / Colours: Provides control over individual graph element colours. Modified colour settings are stored to the users ini file. The graph elements that can be defined via this menu include; Grid Lines, Background, Axis Lines and Text, Border Region, Data Line 2D/3D Front, Data Line 3D Rear, Scope Line 2D/3D Front, Scope Line 3D Rear and User Line.
Graphs / Line Marker: Provides control over individual graph line markers. Modified marker settings are saved to the users ini file. The graph lines that marker types can be defined for are; Data Line 2D/3D Front, Data Line 3D Rear, Scope Line 2D/3D Front, Scope Line 3D Rear and User Line. The nine marker types available are Filled Diamond, Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Plus, Cross, Square, Diamond, Circle and Star.
Graphs / Line Marker / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant graph line marker symbols back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphs / Switch x-y Axis: Changes the visual appearance of the graphs. Swaps the x and y axes around from the normal, such that the y-variable is plotted along the horizontal axis rather than the default vertical position.
Graphs / Autoscale (All): Autoscales all open graphs for both x and y-axes. Includes all visible lines. To autoscale individual graphs use the mouse right button menu item.
Graphs / Autoscale to Y Increment (All): Autoscales all open graphs y-axes. Includes all visible lines. The autoscaling is based on rounding to the nearest whole number of a specific increment. Each graph variable has its own editable increment setting. This autoscale option can also be applied to individual graphs through the right mouse menu of the specific graph.
Graphs / Scope / On: Controls the visibility of the scope line display. It is also controllable via the visibility settings above.
Graphs / Scope / Store / Exclusive: Takes a copy of the current suspension graph results, (includes all variables not just those that are currently displayed). These scope lines are then fixed for comparative on-graph display, (check relevant visibility switch set to on). The Exclusive option implies that the results are copied into Scope position 1, and the four other scope positions (2 to 5) are emptied.
Graphs / Scope / Store / Shuffle: Takes a copy of the current suspension graph results and saves it to scope position 1. All other existing scope data is shuffled down one slot such that one is copied into two etc and any information in position 5 is lost.
Graphs / Scope / Store / Position n: Takes a copy of the current suspension graph results and saves it to scope position n. This will replace any data already stored in this scopes position.
Graphs / Scope / Clear / All: Clears the current scope data from all scope positions 1 to 5. Their isno need to clear the scope before capturing a new set, as Scope Line Store will overwrite any current scope values.
Graphs / Scope / Clear / Position n: Clears the current scope data from the selected position.
Graphs / Scope / List Deviation From / Position n: Identifies which scope position should be used to determine the deviation value between the data and scope lines.
Graphs / Scope / Scope Position Symbol: Sets the visibility of either the scope line symbol or when selected displays a number (1 to 5) rather than the symbol.
Graphs / Copy Front/2D Data to User: Convenience function copies the existing 2D or 3D Front result lines to the Users Lines, (all variables are copied over not just the visible ones).
Graphs / Copy Rear Data to User: Convenience function copies the existing 3D Rear result lines to the Users Lines, (all variables are copied over not just the visible ones).
Graphs / Copy Front/2D Scope to User from / Position n: Convenience function copies the existing 2D or 3D Front scope lines to the Users Lines, (all variables are copied over not just the visible ones). You will need to identify which scope position to use from 1 to 5.
Graphs / Copy Rear Scope to User from / Position n: Convenience function copies the existing 3D Rear scope lines to the Users Lines, (all variables are copied over not just the visible ones). You will need to identify which scope position to use from 1 to 5.
Graphs / Clear Current User Store: Clears all user defined line data, (all variables are removed not just those currently visible on open graphs)
Graphs / Manage User Lines / Create New DataSet&: Multiple user line sets can be managed through the use of User Line data sets. This menu item creates a new data set. Browse for the required folder location and define file name, default extension .dbs. On creation no user line sets are added to the new dataset.
Graphs / Manage User Lines / Include DataSet&: Adds an existing user line dataset to the search list. The search list is stored to the users ini file. The search list provides direct access to any stored user line sets that have been added to these DataSets.
Graphs / Manage User Lines / Remove DataSet: removes the selected user line data set from the search list.
Graphs / Manage User Lines / Load From: Provides a list of found user line sets that can be loaded from the data sets. The loaded user line data will replace any current values.
Graphs / Manage User Lines / Add Current to: Option to save the current user line data to one of the current datasets on the search list.
Graphs / Manage User Lines / Delete From: Option to remove a stored user line set from one of the current datasets on the search list. User line sets a re identified by the dataset label and line set label.
Graphs / Marker/Text Sizes / Edit Sizes: Displays the graph marker and text sizes for viewing and editing. Changes are stored to the users ini file. Properties that can be edited include; Data Line Marker Size, Scope Line Marker Size, User Line Marker Size, Graph Data Values Text Size, Compliance Title Text Size, Compliance Label Text Size and Compliance Values Text Size.
Graphs / Marker/Text Sizes / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant graph marker and text sizes back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
Graphs / Decimal Points Display / Edit Settings: Displays the graph decimal points display for viewing and editing. Changes are stored to the users ini file. Properties that can be edited include; X-Data Listing, Y-Data Listing, Derivative Data Listing, Scope Deviation, User Deviation, X-Axis Label, Y-Axis Label and Compliance Graph Values.
Graphs / Decimal Points Display / Set to Defaults: Single menu selection to set all relevant graph decimal points displays back to the default settings. For relevant elements see previous menu item.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Solve
Solve / Motion: Sets the ground plane solution type as either moving ground plane or moving body. It is only applicable to the bump articulation type.
Solve / 2D Fix Option: For the 2D module a number of alternative solution techniques can be employed. This sets which hard point, if any, is freed off to match the target characteristics.
Solve / 3D Compliance: Turns on the compliant solver. Compliant solutions add elastic bushes and external force effects on to the incremental kinematic solution.
Solve / External Forces: For compliance analysis, external forces can be optionally included. Toggles through on/off with this menu option or use the equivalent toolbar icon.
Solve / Suspension Spring Force: For compliance analysis, the suspension spring force can be optionally included. Toggles through on/off with this menu option.
Solve / Suspension Roll Bar Force: For compliance analysis, the suspension roll bar force (if modeled) can be optionally included. Toggles through on/off with this menu option.
Solve / Rack Cross-Link Force: For compliance analysis, the force at the rack track rod ends can optionally be fed across from one suspension corner (if modeled). Toggles through on/off with this menu option.
Solve / Bush Rotation Pre-loads: For compliance analysis, the implied pre-loads of the bush due to the incremental kinematic rotation will be included when this option is enabled at each calculated step. By definition at static ride when there is no displacement the pre-loads will be zero.
Solve / Convert 2D to 3D: Convenience routine to convert existing 2D model data to selected 3D suspension.
Solve / Point Tolerance Analysis: Performs a Tolerance analysis for the specified point. Open graphs indicate the range of displayed variable due to the limit box size.
Solve / Set Tolerance Point: Set the suspension hard point to be used for any subsequent Tolerance analysis.
Solve / Edit Point Tolerances: Lists the model hard points in a tree type view environment, to locate the required point and view/edit its current limit box settings. Limit box settings define the allowable +/- distances along each axis from the defined position.
Solve / Set All Point Tolerances to&: View/Edit routine to set all suspension hard points to the same values in one go.
Solve / Roll Solution Type: Primarily for backwards compatibility with earlier versions, two roll center methods are available. The default (New) method, incrementally rolls the body about the original roll center position. The Old method used the previous steps calculated position as the roll point. The old method could lead to large amounts of jacking and so was revised to the new method.
Solve / Wheelbase Diff Sol: Controls how a difference in the wheelbase is handled when adding a second axle to an existing model. If a difference is found between the wheelbase parameter and the distance between the two axle wheel centers, this option will determine whether the wheelbase parameter is adjusted, or the rear suspension is moved to match the wheelbase parameter.
Solve / Grnd Plane Diff Sol: Controls how a difference in the ground plane position is handled when adding a second axle to an existing model. If a difference is found between the two ground plane values, this option will determine whether the difference is accommodated by translation, roll or bump/rebound corrections.
Solve / Solver Tolerances: Displays the current solution tolerances for viewing and editing. Solution tolerances listed include The kinematic solution tolerance, Bump small perturbation size and Steer small perturbation size.
Solve / Point Coincidence: Enables Point Coincidence checking. With Point Coincidence on, editing hard points checks for more than one hard point within the pick tolerance and presents a list for selection, including All points. Selecting all points creates an equivalent temporary group during any subsequent change.
Solve / Report Errors: Switches error-reporting on/off. With recent changes to the solver unlikely to produce any errors reports for the default templates.
Solve / Set Ride Height - Bump: A utility function that will reset the vehicle model to a new ride height by simple change in the bump height. The value required is a delta from the current position. A positive value lowers the body, i.e. reduces the ride height.
Solve / Set Ride Height Bump + Pitch: A utility function that will reset the vehicle model to a new ride height by a combination of bump height change and pitch angle. The values required are the deltas from the current position. A positive bump value lowers the body, i.e. reduces the ride height and a positive pitch angle rotates towards the rear. For a full vehicle model the pitch rotation is about the front wheel center axis. For a single end model the pitch is rotation about the modeled suspension end.
Solve / Set Ride Height Adjust Springs: A utility function that will reset the vehicle spring fitted lengths such that the spring forces balance the defined unsprung weight split. This results in no change in ride height, just changes to the relevant spring fitted length(s). The user must provide values for the unsprung mass and the percentage of the unsprung weight on the front axle.
Solve / Set Ride Height Match to Springs: A utility function that will reset the vehicle ride height such that the spring forces balance the defined unsprung weight split. This results a both bump and pitch changes in ride position, (only pitch if full vehicle model). The relevant spring fitted length(s) are also changed. The user must provide values for the unsprung mass and the percentage of the unsprung weight on the front axle. This allows the user to have spring properties dictate the ride height position.
Solve / Set Ride Height Match to Weight Change: A utility function that will reset the vehicle ride height based on a change in vehicle unsprung weights. It is not assumed that the initial vehicle ride position balances the current spring settings, (this can be checked/set first using one of the two options above), but effects the change in ride position based purely on the difference between the two defined weight conditions.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Results
Results / List SDF File&: Opens the Suspension Derivative File (SDF). This scrollable textual display lists the an echo of the suspension hard points and incremental listings of the relevant suspension characteristics for all articulation types.
Results / List SDF Spline Fits&: Opens the Suspension Derivative Spline Fits display. This scrollable textual display lists the an echo of the suspension hard points and listings of the spline fit equations for the selected suspension characteristics for all selected articulation types. The spline fit types include Linear, quadratic and cubic.
Results / List SDF Spline Data&: Opens the Suspension Derivative Spline Data display. This scrollable textual display lists the an echo of the suspension hard points and listings of each splines data points. The user can control which splines are listed as well as inclusion of header information and data echo.
Results / List Bush Deflections&: Opens the scrollable text listing of bush deflections for compliant models under the current zero set load conditions.
Results / List Joint/Bush Rotations&: Opens the scrollable text listing of bush rotations for compliant models under the current zero set load conditions.
Results / List Bush Forces&: Opens the scrollable text listing of bush forces for compliant models under the current zero set load conditions.
Results / List All Point Coords for User Position&: Option to list suspension hard points at a user defined bump plus steer position. Define the required bump value, (+ve is in bump) and steer value.
Results / List a Point Coords at All Positions&: Option to list the co-ordinates of a single selected suspension hard point at a all current solution positions. User selects the required corner and point. The resultant textual display has full support for printing, saving and exporting.
Results / List All Point Coords at a Positions&: This is the inverse of the previous option. It lists the co-ordinates of all points for a single selected position. The position is one from the current solver settings rather than a separately user defined position. User selects the required corner and position. The resultant textual display has full support for printing, saving and exporting.
Results / Display Compliance Values: Toggles the visibility of the Compliance coefficients display.
Results / Ball Joint Rotations: Toggles the visibility of the Ball Joint rotations display. This option is only available in compliant mode. The results show the rotations of a selected joint over the prescribed travel. These rotations can be relative to local or global axes or to a pair of user defined points that identify the housing and ball axes.
Results / Display Kinematic Sum/Optimizer: Toggles the visibility of the display that not only lists the cumulative sum of all weighted deviations but also controls the sensitivity and optimization functions. These optimization settings include individual curve weightings, parameters required and range of interest.
Results / Modal Analysis Display..: Opens the Modal Analysis bar chart display. The display shows the frequency of each mode by the height of its bar. This option is only available in compliant mode. This display can be used to change the mode displayed in the 3d view, (the current mode is shown filled in cyan), by selecting the required modes bar with the left mouse button. This graph can be left open and is updated live as the model is changed.
Results / Forced-Damped Speed Sweep Display..: Opens the Forced-Damped Results graph. This shows the displacement and rotation of each parts C of G at the specified frequency. The currently displayed frequency point in the 3d view is show on the graph by the vertical line. The currently displayed 3d view frequency can be changed by selecting the required point on the graph using the left mouse button. Whilst this graph display can be left open whilst you continue to edit the model it does not update in a live manner due to the associated computational overheads. To update this display select from its right mouse menu list Refresh Plot.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - SetUp
SetUp / Start Options / Toolbar Icons: Provides an option for two styles of icons. Select from either Standard or Mouse Sensitive. Standard icons have permanently visible boundaries to the icon, whilst mouse sensitive icons raise as the mouse passes over them. This change is stored to the ini file and will only be implemented on next program start-up.
SetUp / Start Options / Toolbar Position: Sets the default starting position for the toolbars. All visible toolbars will be placed in this position when the application starts up. Once started the user can choose to change the toolbar positions individually as required. The four available positions are Top, Bottom, Left or Right. This change is stored to the ini file and will only be implemented on the next program start-up.
SetUp / Start Options / Maximised: If checked defines that the application will start up with the main window maximised, (i.e. expanded to fill the current screen size). Note that if the application is maximised during use, then this will also set the maximised setting. This change is stored to the ini file and will be implemented on next program start-up.
SetUp / Exception Handler On: Provides a software trapping routine to handle application exception failures. Whilst this wont enable the user to recover the current session it will prevent the exception causing a complete system failure. Not normally required this release.
SetUp / Visual Graphics Cursor: When enabled changes the appearance of the cursor on the main graphical display to indicate the difference between the various modes of dynamic view and on-screen editing. This setting is saved to the users ini file.
SetUp / Save Def. Window Settings: When set this options will save to the users ini file the current size, positions and settings of the graphics and graph windows, such that on a subsequent program start-up all windows will be re-created in the same position/size as previously. They are referred to default since users can store different settings to alternative files.
SetUp / Save Window Settings to&: This option allows the user to save the current window and graph settings to a file. These settings can then be retrieved at a later stage or in future runs.
SetUp / Load Window Settings from&: This option allows the user to retrieve from a previously saved file the settings for the main window and graphs. These settings included not only position and size but also displayed variables and axis settings.
SetUp / Edit Window Offsets&: This option allows the user to specify the values used to determine the position of each window within the MDI interface. These may need to be changed by the user if you find yourself repeatedly having to re-position graph windows despite having used the save window settings option.
SetUp / Include User Graphics In Data Files: With the ability for users to quickly add their own graphical elements to the current template the option is given for users to include them with the data file. This provides a complete way of retaining data that is associated with the model.
SetUp / Include User Templates In Data Files: With the ability for users to quickly modify the template by point addition etc. the option is given for users to include the template with the data file. This provides a complete way of retaining data that is associated with the model.
SetUp / Include Optimizer Settings in Data Files: When checked provides data retention/continuity by including the optimizer settings as a sub-section of the model data file. Other wise these data settings could be lost through subsequent use.
SetUp / File Toolbar Visibility: Sets the visibility option for the File toolbar. This setting is saved to the ini file and will thus be applied to future runs.
SetUp / View Toolbar Visibility: Sets the visibility option for the View toolbar. This setting is saved to the ini file and will thus be applied to future runs.
SetUp / Graphics Toolbar Visibility: Sets the visibility option for the Graphics toolbar. This setting is saved to the ini file and will thus be applied to future runs.
SetUp / Graph + Data Toolbar Visibility: Sets the visibility option for the Graph and Data toolbar. This setting is saved to the ini file and will thus be applied to future runs.
SetUp / Gen Defaults: Opens the general defaults data set for viewing and editing. They primarily deal with settings for the graphics display. They include upper and lower limits to the scaling, the tolerance for point picking, the tolerance for point coincidence, the joggle coarse step size and the animation refresh time step.
SetUp / Groups / Current: Makes a previously created points group the current group. Groups are identified by their unique label from the menu list. Groups limit edit functions to just hard points that are members of the group. Edited points then move as a group, i.e. same translation applied to all.
SetUp / Groups / Cancel: Cancels the current group selection, returning back to all hard points accessible for individual editing.
SetUp / Groups / Delete: Deletes the selected group. This does not delete any points from the model, (as you cant do this at any level other than template editing), merely removes the group association. Groups are identified by their unique label from the menu list.
SetUp / Groups / Create&: Creates an new points group. A new group must be given a unique label to identify it. The number of points required to add to it set and each required point picked from the available suspension end lists.
SetUp / Groups / Pick Temporary&: Creates an new temporary points group . The points are added to this group by selecting a displayed screen region. All visible points within the region being added to it. Unlike the conventional groups this does not need to have a label nor does it need to be made current, once the points have been picked it will automatically be set to current. Temporary groups are not saved and when made non-current using the delete option they are lost and would need to be re-created.
SetUp / Groups / Edit: Provides an editing option to existing point groups. The points in the group can be changed, added to or removed from. Groups are identified by their unique label from the menu list.
SetUp / Undo Buffer Length: Sets the length of the undo buffer. The greater the number the more undo steps that will be stored. Setting this value to zero will disable the undo function.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Window
Window / Tile Horizontal: Automatic window positioning option that lays open windows in to a primarily horizontal layout.
Window / Tile Vertical (Picked Order): Automatic window positioning option that lays open windows in to a primarily vertical layout. The order that they are arranged in is the order that they have been selected, on start-up this would be the inverse of the order that they were created in.
Window / Tile Vertical (Created Order): Automatic window positioning option that lays open windows in to a primarily vertical layout. The order that they are arranged in is based on the creation order with the graphics display first and then graphs 1 to n.
Window / Cascade: Automatic window positioning option. All open windows are re-sized to a common size and cascaded down from the top left hand corner in regular steps.
Window / View Custom Control Display: Pick from list to open a previously defined custom control display. Custom controls are added to this list as they are created by the user using the following menu option. When permanently deleted using the WinDelete option, they are removed from this list.
Window / Open New Custom Control Display: Creates a new custom control display dialogue box. Users can add their own buttons, toggles, icons, gauges, sliders, text entries, value entries, bar charts and bars widgets to it. Data variables and commands can be assigned to these widgets to allow users to build their own specific interfaces. Within each window users can switch between use/edit modes to move, add, and edit widgets. Custom dialogue settings are saved to the users ini file for subsequent reuse. Users can save custom dialogue settings to and from external files. This provides a method of passing custom settings between users.
Window / Backdrop: Option to add a graphic image to the background of the main window. Six default options are provided together with a n option for a user defined bitmap. The background image can be optionally tiled to repeat the pattern over the entire region. Alternatively if not tiled the image will be stretched to fill the area.
Window / User Backdrop File&: File browser to identify the user specified backdrop bitmap.
Window / Tile Backdrop: Defines whether backdrop image will be stretched or tiled to fill the area.
The Window menu has appended to it an entry for each child window. Child windows include graphic displays all graphs and results displays.
+$#>Pull Down Menu Items - Help
+$#>
Help / Contents (F1): Opens this help file at the contents page.
Help / Search for Help On&: Opens this help file at the index page to allow for searching through the help file by key words.
Help / How to Use Help: Opens the standard WindowsŽ Help document, describing how to use on-line help files.
Help / About Lotus Suspension Analysis&: Displays the Lotus Suspension Analysis about box listing both the major and minor release levels. Support contact details are also given.
No specific menus are used on the graphics display for the right mouse button, Instead it is used as a quick cycle through the available tracking directions or cycle through the dynamic viewing modes as appropriate for the current dynamic viewing status.
In the view zoom mode the right mouse button will cancel the zoom event.
+$#>Mouse Right Button Menu Items Graphs
Y-Variable (SDF): Used to change the displayed y-variable for the selected graph. Lists all available options, (some may not be relevant to the current module or model). The current variable is shown checked in the list.
Y-Variable (Front Graphic): Used to change the displayed y-variable for the selected graph to one from the current front suspension graphical elements. Lists all available options, (some may not actually have a plotable result). The current variable is shown checked in the list.
Y-Variable (Rear Graphic): Used to change the displayed y-variable for the selected graph to one from the current rear suspension graphical elements. Lists all available options, (some may not actually have a plotable result). The current variable is shown checked in the list.
Edit Front (+Y) User Line: Lists the selected graphs user line for viewing and editing. The number of points well as the x and y values can edited. On closure the user line data is checked for ascending order on the x-values, if not ascending the data is shuffled unit it is. Not that individual user lines are defined for each corner. This is for the front +Y corner.
Edit Front (-Y) User Line: Lists the selected graphs user line for viewing and editing. The number of points well as the x and y values can edited. On closure the user line data is checked for ascending order on the x-values, if not ascending the data is shuffled unit it is. Not that individual user lines are defined for each corner. This is for the front -Y corner.
Edit Rear (+Y) User Line: Lists the selected graphs user line for viewing and editing. The number of points well as the x and y values can edited. On closure the user line data is checked for ascending order on the x-values, if not ascending the data is shuffled unit it is. Not that individual user lines are defined for each corner. This is for the rear +Y corner.
Edit Rear (-Y) User Line: Lists the selected graphs user line for viewing and editing. The number of points well as the x and y values can edited. On closure the user line data is checked for ascending order on the x-values, if not ascending the data is shuffled unit it is. Not that individual user lines are defined for each corner. This is for the rear -Y corner.
Autoscale: Autoscales the selected graph for both x and y-axes. Includes all visible lines on the graph. To autoscale all graphs use the main menu or equivalent toolbar icon.
Autoscale Y only: Autoscales the selected graph for just its y-axes. Includes all visible lines on the graph. To autoscale all graphs use the main menu or equivalent toolbar icon.
Autoscale to Y Increment: Autoscales the selected graph for just its y-axes. Includes all visible lines on the graph. The autoscale function is based rounding to a specified increment. The increment being definable for each individual graph. To edit the increment refer to the Axis Scales right mouse menu option.
Zoom: Pick the area of the selected graph to fit the current window. The zoom function can accommodate either a two press approach to area selection or a single press, hold and drag selection, a simple time delay trap being used to identify which type is being used. The zoomed area will become the plotted region.
Copy Front Data to User: Convenience function copies the existing Front result line to the User Line. Only the selected graphs values are copied over.
Copy Rear Data to User: Convenience function copies the existing Rear result line to the User Line. Only the selected graphs values are copied over.
Copy Front Scope to User from / Position n: Convenience function copies the existing Front scope line to the User Line. Only the selected graphs values are copied over. You need to identify which scope position you are copying from.
Copy Rear Scope to User from / Position n: Convenience function copies the existing Rear scope line to the User Line. Only the selected graphs values are copied over. You need to identify which scope position you are copying from.
Axis Scales: Displays the selected graphs x and y-axis settings. Axes are defined simply by the minimum and maximum values. This display also lists the value used for the autoscale to Y increment option.
Set All X-axis to Displ. Range: Sets the x-axis settings for all the graphs to the limits of the currently defined suspension travel.
Edit All X-axis Scale: Displays the x-axis scale edit box. The displayed values will be the current settings for the selected graph. All graphs will have their x-axis values set to the entered numbers.
List Data Line(s): Lists the selected graphs current results (data) line for viewing. As these are calculated results they are display only. Both front and rear axles are listed, (if applicable).
Copy to Clipboard: Copies the selected graph display to the Windows clipboard such that it can be pasted into other applications.
Save to File&: Saves the selected graph to file. Three format types are currently supported, bmp, jpg and png.
Open in MATLAB: Opens the selected graph directly in Matlab as a graph. This thus provides a 'one-click' option to pass graph data from Shark to Matlab. If this option is greyed out then the application has been unable to identify the location of the Matlab product, normally because it is not installed on the machine. If it has been subsequently installed users can re-scan for the Matlab product via the menu option Setup / Re-run search for installed components.
Open in EXCEL: Opens a new Excel worksheet filled with the selected graphs data values. This thus provides a 'one-click' option to pass graph data from Shark to Excel. If this option is greyed out then the application has been unable to identify the location of the Excel executable, normally because it is not installed on the machine. If it has been subsequently installed users can re-scan for the Excel executable via the menu option Setup / Re-run search for installed components.
+$#>Mouse Right Button Menu Items Compliance Coefficients
The right mouse menu on the compliance coefficients display has two forms the long form and the short form. The long form is listed if the selection is within a bar region of the chart and the short form is the pick is on the chart but not on a bar.
Y Variable: Used to change the displayed y-variable for the selected bar. Lists all available options, (some may not be relevant to the current module or model). The current bars variable is shown checked in the list.
Edit Limit Setting: Displays for viewing and editing, the selected bars design limit value. This is used to draw a horizontal line on the bar chart as a visual indicator of the analysis results.
Edit Scale Setting: Displays for viewing and editing, the selected bars full-scale deflection value. This should be adjusted to encompass the required/anticipated limit.
Edit Weighting Setting: Displays for viewing and editing, the selected bars weighting value used to calculate the combined summation of selected variables. This effects the optimization and total sum display.
Remove Selected Variable: .Removes the selected bar from its force sets graph.
Add Extra Variable: For the selected force sets graph, an extra variable is added to the display. This variable is changed via the Y-variable menu option.
Set All Limit Values to Current: For all defined compliance bars the Limit value is set to the current value. This is a convenience feature that quickly defines a complete set of limits.
Autoscale All Visible Lines: All defined compliance bars have the Scale settings set to the current values, with a clip margin. This enables all compliance factors to be visible through a single menu selection.
Set All Visible Line Scales to Unity: All defined compliance bars have the Scale settings set to unity. This enables all compliance factor scale settings to be returned to unity through a single menu selection.
Edit All Line Limits/Scale/Weights&: Opens a display window that allows all Limits, Scales and Weightings for the compliance curves to be edited through a single display rather than by picking individually.
Include Spring Force in Set: For the selected force set toggles whether the spring force is included in the compliant calculation.
Make Force Set Default: Makes the selected force set the current one. The current one is indicated by the red highlight, and becomes the force set displayed on the graphics and graphs.
Turn Force Set Off: turns the status of the selected force set to off. Its data is not lost but it will not be used in the calculations and its compliant chart will be removed from the display.
Turn All Force Sets On: Sets all defined force sets to on. Each force set will then have its own graph displayed.
Open External Forces Edit&: Opens the external force edit box. This allows the current external force settings to be viewed and edited.
+$#>Icon Description General
The following icons are used within the application dialogue boxes. A brief description is given for each.
Generic Editor Icon, normally opens standard data editor display.
Opens this Help File at context sensitive page
+$#>Icon Description File Toolbar
The following icons are displayed on the File toolbar. A brief description is given for each.
Open existing data file.
Save data to file
Change to 2D module, Bump articulation
Change to 2D module, Roll articulation
Change to 3D module, Bump articulation
Change to 3D module, Roll articulation
Change to 3D module, Steer articulation
Change to move ground plane in bump solver option
Change to move body in bump solver option
Toggle 3D compliant solver setting
Toggle 3D compliance use external forces setting
Toggle Tolerance analysis status
Set to Edit mode
Set to Joggle edit mode
Set to Drag edit mode
+$#>Icon Description View Toolbar
The following icons are displayed on the view toolbar. A brief description is given for each.
Toggle dynamic viewing on/off.
Set dynamic view on and mode to translate.
Set dynamic view on and mode to scale.
Set dynamic view on and mode to rotate.
Start zoom event on the graphics display.
Autoscale all open graphs.
Set graphics view style to Wire Frame.
Set graphics view style to Solid Fill.
Set graphics view style to Hidden Line.
Set graphics view style to Depth Buffered (flat shaded).
Set graphics view to Y-Z plane.
Set graphics view to X-Z plane.
Set graphics view to X-Y plane.
Save current graphics view to temporary store.
Cycle though the available tracking options, or the available dynamic view options.
+$#>Icon Description Graphics Toolbar
The following icons are displayed on the Graphics toolbar. A brief description is given for each.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the hard point template numbers.
Turns point limits to use. If the current visibility setting of the limit boxes was off they will be turned on.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the hard point co-ordinates.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the springs enhanced graphics.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the dampers enhanced graphics.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the wheels enhanced graphics.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the pivots enhanced graphics.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the grids enhanced graphics.
Toggles the visibility on the graphics display of the bodys enhanced graphics. Will only appear if a default body type has been set, (see data menu).
Set the graphics display to show both front and rear axle models, (if loaded).
Sets the graphic display to show the front suspension model only, (note you will not be able to select this option if you only have a rear suspension loaded).
Sets the graphic display to show the rear suspension model only, (note you will not be able to select this option if you only have a front suspension loaded).
Toggles the animation status. Stops or starts the animation of the model over the currently set articulation range.
Toggles the graphics display setting for drawing both suspension sides.
Copies the current graphic display to the WindowsŽ clipboard.
+$#>Icon Description Graphs + Data Toolbar
The following icons are displayed on the Graphs + Data toolbar. A brief description is given for each.
Open a new results graph.
Autoscales all open graphs.
Opens the model property display. Tree structure based display to access model properties.
Opens the front suspension hard point values for viewing and editing, (not available if only rear suspension loaded).
Opens the rear suspension hard point values for viewing and editing, (not available if only front suspension loaded).
Lists the Parameters data set for viewing and editing.
Lists the Tyre data set values for viewing and editing.
Opens the Suspension Derivative File (SDF). This scrollable textual display lists the an echo of the suspension hard points and incremental listings of the relevant suspension characteristics for all articulation types.
Saves the current suspension hard points to a temporary store, given a unique label for possible later retrieval. This temporary store only exists whilst the application is open such that all saved co-ordinate sets are lost when the application is closed. Any number of sets can be stored.
Cancels the current group selection, returning back to all hard points accessible for individual editing.
Creates an new points group. A new group must be given a unique label to identify it. The number of points required to add to it set and each required point picked from the available suspension end lists.
Runs a utility function that will reset the vehicle model to a new ride height. The value required is a delta from the current position. A positive value lowers the body, i.e. reduces the ride height.
Option to list suspension hard points at a defined bump plus steer position. Define the required bump value, (+ve is in bump) and steer value.
Automatic window positioning option. All open windows are re-sized to a common size and cascaded down from the top left hand corner in regular steps.
Convenience routine to convert existing 2D model data to selected 3D suspension.
+$#>Data Requirements - Introduction
+$#>
This section describes the data requirements for both the 2D and 3D suspension analysis modules. Each data variable is listed, together with its units and any default value.
The listings are broken down into sections as they are displayed in the interface.
The SHARK co-ordinate system is a right handed system with the Y-axis across the car track, the origin of which is assumed to be on the vehicle centre line and the +ve direction being towards the offside suspension (Right hand Corner sitting in car). The X-axis is along the vehicle wheelbase, normally with the origin in front of the vehicle with the +ve direction towards the rear. The X-axis only applies to the 3D module, all 2D modes being in the Y-Z or cross car plane. The Z-axis is the vertical height, the origin of which for 2D modes is assumed to be the ground plane, but for the 3D modes can be at any height position. The +ve direction is taken as upwards, (note this co-ordinate system is different to the original UNIX version of SHARK, which had the X and Y axes transposed).
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SHARK Co-ordinate System
+$#>KData Requirements 2D Data Requirements
The 2D module has some specific requirements for data. It has a reduced set of suspension types when compared to the 3D module, whilst its General data set has variables unique to the 2D module. Some of the General data values are common to both the 2D and 3D modules and will be covered in the description of the 3D data requirements.
+$#>Data Requirements 2D Suspension Type
The available suspension types for the 2D module are Double Wishbone or Macpherson Strut.
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Setting the 2D Suspension type from the New menu
+$#>KData Requirements 2D General Data
Vehicle Track, (real), (units mm), (default 1600 mm)
Sets the static vehicle track, the value is the Y-axis distance between the two assumed tyre contact patch centres. Must be a positive number
Kingpin Angle, (real), (units deg), (default 10 deg)
Sets the static kingpin angle, being the angle between the upper and lower ball joints in the Y-Z or cross car plane for a double wishbone suspension type, or the angle between the strut top and the lower ball joint, again in the Y-Z plane, for a Macpherson strut suspension. A positive Kingpin angle is taken as when the upper ball joint, (or strut top), is inboard of the lower ball joint, i.e. smaller Y value.
Kingpin Offset at Ground, (real), (units mm), (default 20 mm)
Sets the static Kingpin offset, the offset being the Y-axis or cross car distance between the tyre contact patch centre and the intersection of the kingpin axis with the ground. A positive offset is when the tyre contact patch centre is outboard of the kingpin axis intersection.
Damper Angle, (real), (units deg), (default 10 deg) {Strut Only}
Sets the static damper angle, being the angle between the strut top and a point on the strut slider axis, in the Y-Z plane. A positive damper angle is taken as when the strut top is inboard of the strut slider point, i.e. smaller Y value.
Camber Change in Bump, (real), (deg/mm), (default -0.04 deg/mm)
This value is used initially to set the user defined camber change line on the camber angle graph over the bump travel region. It is subsequently used to define the required wheel camber angle in bump travel, when a degree of freedom is introduced into the suspension model. A positive value indicates an increase in positive camber with positive wheel travel.
Camber Change in Rebound, (real), (deg/mm), (default -0.04 deg/mm)
This value is used initially to set the user defined camber change line on the camber angle graph over the rebound travel region. It is subsequently used to define the required wheel camber angle in rebound travel, when a degree of freedom is introduced into the suspension model. A positive value indicates an increase in positive camber with positive wheel travel.
Camber Change in Roll, (real), (units deg/mm), (default 0.5 deg/deg)
This value is used initially to set the user defined camber change line on the camber angle against roll graph. It is subsequently used to define the required wheel camber angle under roll articulation, when a degree of freedom is introduced into the suspension model. A positive value indicates an increase in positive camber with a positive roll angle.
Static Roll Centre Height, (real), (units mm), (default 50 mm)
Sets the static roll centre height, this is the distance up the Z-axis from the ground plane to the required static roll centre.
Roll Centre Height Change in Bump, (real), (units mm/mm), (default 1.0 mm/mm)
This value is used initially to set the user defined roll centre height line on the roll centre height graph over the bump travel region. It is subsequently used to define the required roll centre height in bump travel, when a degree of freedom is introduced into the suspension model. A positive value indicates an increase in the roll centre height with positive wheel travel.
Roll Centre Height Change in Rebound, (real), (units mm/mm), (def 1.0 mm/mm)
This value is used initially to set the user defined roll centre height line on the roll centre height graph over the rebound travel region. It is subsequently used to define the required roll centre height in rebound travel, when a degree of freedom is introduced into the suspension model. A positive value indicates an increase in the roll centre height with positive wheel travel.
Roll Centre Height Change in Roll, (real), (units mm/deg), (default 0.0 mm/mm)
This value is used initially to set the user defined roll centre height line on the roll centre height against roll graph. It is subsequently used to define the required roll centre height in roll articulation, when a degree of freedom is introduced into the suspension model. A positive value indicates an increase in roll centre height with a positive roll angle.
Roll Centre Lateral Change in Roll, (real), (units mm/deg), (default 0.0 mm/mm)
This value is used initially to set the user defined roll centre lateral line on the roll centre lateral against roll graph. It is subsequently used to define the required roll centre lateral position in roll articulation, when a degree of freedom is introduced into the suspension model. A positive value indicates an increase in roll centre lateral Y value with a positive roll angle.
Bump Travel, (real), (units mm), (default 60 mm)
Sets the bump travel from static ride, it is the distance in the Z-axis that the ground plane, (or body), is moved through. Must be a positive number.
No. of Bump Solution Steps, (integer), (default 4)
Sets the number of solution steps performed between static and full bump travel.
Rebound Travel, (real), (units mm), (default 60 mm)
Sets the rebound travel from static ride, it is the distance in the Z-axis that the ground plane, (or body), is moved through. Must be a positive number.
No. of Rebound Solution Steps, (integer), (default 4)
Sets the number of solution steps performed between static and full rebound travel.
Roll Travel, (real), (units deg), (default 5 deg)
Sets the roll travel from static ride, it is the total angle that the body is rolled about the X-axis. Must be a positive number.
No. of Roll Solution Steps, (integer), (default 4)
Sets the number of solution steps performed between static and full roll.
+$#>Data Requirements 2D Double Wishbone Suspension Hard Points
2D Double Wishbone Suspension Hard Points
Lower Outer Height (Z), (real), (units mm), (default 200 mm)
Defines the static Z height of the lower wishbone outer ball joint, relative to the ground plane.
Upper Outer Height (Z), (real), (units mm), (default 500 mm)
Defines the static Z height of the upper wishbone outer ball joint, relative to the ground plane.
Lower Inner Cross Car (Y), (real), (units mm), (default 248 mm)
Defines the static Y co-ordinate of the lower wishbone inner ball joint, relative to the vehicle centre line.
Lower Inner Height (Z), (real), (units mm), (default 175 mm)
Defines the static Z height of the lower wishbone inner ball joint, relative to the ground plane.
Upper Inner Cross Car (Y), (real), (units mm), (default 367 mm)
Defines the static Y co-ordinate of the upper wishbone inner ball joint, relative to the vehicle centre line.
Upper Inner Height (Z), (real), (units mm), (default 426 mm)
Defines the static Z height of the upper wishbone inner ball joint, relative to the ground plane.
(Note: All 2D suspension Z co-ordinates are relative to an assumed zero ground plane, i.e., Z origin is ground plane.)
+$#>Data Requirements 2D Macpherson Strut Suspension Hard Points
2D Macpherson Strut Suspension Hard Points
Lower Outer Height (Z), (real), (units mm), (default 200 mm)
Defines the static Z height of the lower wishbone outer ball joint, relative to the ground plane.
Strut Top Height (Z), (real), (units mm), (default 500 mm)
Defines the static Z height of the strut top, relative to the ground plane.
Lower Inner Cross Car (Y), (real), (units mm), (default 248 mm)
Defines the static Y co-ordinate of the lower wishbone inner ball joint, relative to the vehicle centre line.
Lower Inner Height (Z), (real), (units mm), (default 175 mm)
Defines the static Z height of the lower wishbone inner ball joint, relative to the ground plane.
(Note: All 2D suspension Z co-ordinates are relative to an assumed zero ground plane, i.e., Z origin is ground plane.)
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Data Requirements
The 3D module data requirements are broken down in to sets. Each set is described separately. The data requirements for each of the default suspension template types is listed. Some of the data sets given here apply in part to both the 3D module and the 2D module.
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Suspension End
Suspension models are defined as being associated to either the Front or Read end of the vehicle. The allowable suspension templates vary depending on this selection, since front suspension types must be steerable.
Complete vehicle models can be built, (i.e. Front and Rear models), by creating one of each through the new menu.
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Selecting the Suspension end and templates from the New display
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Suspension Type
3D Suspension Type
Since users can create/delete and include their own templates the lists given here may not be the same as displayed. The presented lists represent the standard templates that are hard-coded into the as-shipped application.
For front suspensions
Select From:
Type 1 Double wishbone, damper to lower wishbone.
Type 3 Steerable Macpherson strut.
Type 6 Double Wishbone, damper to upper wishbone.
Type 12 Steerable twin parallel wishbones + knuckle.
Type 14 Double wishbone, push rod to damper.
Type 15 Double wishbone, rocker arm damper.
Type 17 Double wishbone, pushrod monoshock.
Type 18 Double wishbone, upper toe link + S link.
Type 20 Double wishbone, twin outer ball joints.
Type 22 Double wishbone, twin outer ball joints spring front.
Type 23 Double wishbone, anti roll bar
Type 24 Steerable Macpherson Strut, twin outer ball joints.
Type 25 Double wishbone, twin lower outer ball joints.
Type 26 Double wishbone, compliant rack, damper to lower.
Type 27 Steerable Macpherson Strut, twin lower link.
For rear suspensions
Select From:
Type 1 Double wishbone, damper to lower wishbone.
Type 2 H frame lower, single upper link.
Type 3 Steerable Macpherson strut.
Type 4 Non-Steerable Mac strut, twin lower link.
Type 5 5-Link Rigid Axle, (Panhard Rod).
Type 6 Double Wishbone, damper to upper wishbone.
Type 7 Non-Steerable Mac strut, toe link to wishbone.
Type 8 4-Link Rigid Axle, (Panhard Rod).
Type 9 4-Link Rigid Axle, (twin upper).
Type 10 Trailing arm, upper and lower rear links.
Type 11 Semi trailing arm.
Type 12 Steerable twin parallel wishbones + knuckle.
Type 14 Double wishbone, push rod to damper.
Type 15 Double wishbone, rocker arm damper.
Type 16 Non-Steerable lower A with toe link.
Type 17 Double wishbone, pushrod monoshock.
Type 18 Double wishbone, upper toe link + S link.
Type 19 Hinged Trailing Arm, Twin Lower Link.
Type 20 Double Wishbone, twin outer ball joints.
Type 21 5-Link Rigid Axle, (Watts Linkage).
Type 22 Double Wishbone, Twin outer ball joints, Spring front.
Type 23 Double Wishbone, anti roll bar.
Type 24 Steerable Macpherson Strut, twin outer ball joints.
Type 25 Double Wishbone, Twin Lower Outer ball joints.
Type 26 Double Wishbone, compliant rack, damper to lower.
Type 27 Steerable Mcpherson Strut, twin lower link.
Type 28 4-Link Rear, transverse control link.
Type 29 Twist Beam twin Wheel.
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+$#>Data Requirements 3D General Data (Parameters)
3D General Data
Bump Travel, (real), (units mm), (default 60 mm)
Sets the bump travel from static ride, it is the distance in the Z-axis that the ground plane, (or body), is moved through. Must be a positive number. Note that the bump and rebound travel values would normally define an even increment bounded articulation definition. This can be changed to a step-by-step definition sequence similar to that used for the combined mode but with out any steering input. This is enabled/edited through the Data / Use Extended Bump Travel and Data / Edit Extended Bump Travel menu options.
Rebound Travel, (real), (units mm), (default 60 mm)
Sets the rebound travel from static ride, it is the distance in the Z-axis that the ground plane, (or body), is moved through. Must be a positive number. See also bump travel above with regard to extended bump travel option.
Bump/Rebound Increment, (real), (units mm), (default 5 mm)
Set the solution step size in bump and rebound when animating or listing SDFs. See also bump travel above with regard to extended bump travel option.
Roll Angle, (real), (units deg), (default 3 deg)
Sets the roll travel from static ride, it is the total angle that the body is rolled about the Y-axis. Must be a positive number.
Roll Increment, (real), (units deg), (default 0.25 deg)
Sets the solution step size in roll when animating or listing SDFs.
Steer Travel, (real), (units mm), (default 30.0 mm)
Sets the limit of steering travel for the inner ball joint in the X-axis or cross car direction.
Steer Increment, (real), (units mm), (default 2.0 mm)
Sets the solution step size in steering when animating or listing SDFs.
Wheelbase, (real), (units mm), (default 2240 mm)
Sets the static vehicle wheelbase, the value is the Y-axis distance between the front and rear wheel centres. Must be a positive number.
C of G Height, (real), (units mm), (default 60 mm)
Sets the static centre of gravity height, the distance in the Z-axis of the C of G from the ground plane.
Breaking On Front, (real), (units %), (default 60 %)
Defines the brake split between the front and rear axles, by defining the % braking effort on the front axle.
Drive On Front, (real), (units %), (default 0 %)
Defines the drive split between the front and rear axles, by defining the % drive to the front axle. Thus a rear wheel drive car has a value of 0%, whilst a front wheel drive car has a value of 100%.
Weight On Front, (real), (units %), (default 40 %)
Defines the weight split between the front and rear axles, by defining the % weight on the front axle.
Front Brake Type, (integer), (default 2)
Defines the brake type for the front suspension as either inboard (1), or outboard (2).
Rear Brake Type, (integer), (default 2)
Defines the brake type for the rear suspension as either inboard (1), or outboard (2).
Total Sprung Weight, (real), (units kg) (default 0.0)
Defines the total sprung weight of the vehicle, (sum of front and rear).
Front Suspension Type, (integer), (default 1)
Defines the suspension type for the front suspension as either independent (1), or rigid (2).
Rear Suspension Type, (integer), (default 1)
Defines the suspension type for the rear suspension as either independent (1), or rigid (2).
{
Editing the Parameters (General Data) data set
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Body Type
The 3D body type is a menu selection rather than a data variable. The menu choices are;
None
Saloon
Open Sports
Old Single Seater
Single Seater
Utility
Super Saloon
Mini Van
User Defined
{
For the user defined body it is possible to define the body graphics as a combination of 3d vectors and 3d facets. To edit the user defined body data select the menu option Data / Edit User Body Data& The displayed spread-sheet has two paneled tabs. The first is for 3d vectors, where each vector requires a start point and an end point. The second tab is for 3d facets where each facet can be a n noded planar facet. Each node of the facet requires an x, y and z co-ordinate.
The body data can be populated with one of the standard types to act as a start point. Use the local File / Load Standard body Data menus to do this.
Body facet data can also be imported from an external STL file. Scaling and shift options are offered to manipulate the imported STL facets.
The application is currently restricted to a maximum of 10 noded facets and a total of 2000 facets and 800 vectors.
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Tyre Data
The 2D module has some specific requirements for data.
Rolling Radius, (real), (units mm), (default 225 mm)
Sets the relevant tyres rolling radius.
Tyre Width, (real), (units mm), (default 150 mm)
Sets the relevant tyre width, used to support graphical display only.
Vertical Stiffness, (real), (units N/mm), (default 400 N/mm)
Sets the relevant tyres vertical stiffness, used in the compliance analysis.
Spring Diameter, (real), (units mm), (default 14 mm)
Sets the diameter of the graphical spring used to optionally represent the tyre vertical spring.
Other related graphical items such as colour can also be edited through this display.
Enhanced Tyre and Spring
The graphical representation of the tyre and wheel can be extended beyond the default. The user can define a cross section that is then revolved around the spindle axis. These user profiles can thus include much more surface definition than the simple models.
{
Editing the Tyre data set
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Steering Type
The 3D steering type is a menu selection rather than a data variable. The menu choices are;
Steering Rack
Steering Box
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The steering box option requires additional data hard points to be defined:
Point 101: 1st Point on Box Axis, x,y,z (mm).
Point 102: 2nd Point on Box Axis, x,y,z (mm).
Point 103: Pitman Joint, x,y,z (mm).
{
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Titles
The data for the title block is intended for use as a labelling/description mechanism. This optional data block is only accessible via the Data / Titles& menu item.
{
Editing the titles section
+$#>KData Requirements 3D Bush Properties
The Bush Properties data is displayed by hard point and is added to the bottom of the normal points position edit box when in compliant mode. A bush has a local co-ordinate system defined relative to the global Cartesian set. The bushes stiffness properties are then defined in this local co-ordinate system.
The individual data fields are:
Point on Bush local Z-Axis, X, Y and Z, Abs, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local Z-axis for the current hard points bush local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in absolute x, y and z co-ordinates, (absolute implies relative to global Cartesian origin).
Point on Bush local Z-Axis, X, Y and Z, Rel, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local Z-axis for the current hard points bush local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in relative x, y and z co-ordinates, (relative implies relative to selected hard points position).
Point on Bush local Z-Axis, Pnt, (choice), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local Z-axis for the current hard points bush local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is by selecting another hard point in the suspension model. Typical use of this would be in aligning a bush axis along a wishbone axis by pointing towards the second point on the pivot axis.
Point in Bush local X-Z Plane, X, Y and Z, Abs, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local X-Z plane for the current hard points bush local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in absolute x, y and z co-ordinates, (absolute implies relative to global Cartesian origin).
Point on Bush local X-Z Plane, X, Y and Z, Rel, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local X-Z plane for the current hard points bush local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in relative x, y and z co-ordinates, (relative implies relative to selected hard points position).
Bush Local Stiffness, X, Y and Z, (real), (units N/mm), (default 1000 N/mm or 2000 N/mm)
Sets the translational stiffness of the current bush in the defined local axes.
Bush Local Stiffness, X-X, Y-Y and Z-Z, (real), (units N.m/Rad), (default 0 N.m/Rad)
Sets the rotational stiffness of the current bush in the defined local axes.
{
Bush Properties Example Complaint Data
The bush edit dialog box attempts to stop invalid bush axes definitions. These normally occur when the z-axis point and the point in the x-y plane are the same or are along the same vector. Typical examples of these occur with the compliant rack models when the z-axis point is aligned relative to the other rack bush but the x-y point has not been changed from the default.
The inclusion of a compliant racks bush also normally requires that the rotational stiffness values are defined for the rack bushes to control the rack rotations.
+$#>Data Requirements 3D External Force Data
The External Force data is displayed by Set. Each set is a collection of forces, each force having a definition in terms of its head and tail positions, attachment part and magnitude. Force head and tail positions are defined in either absolute position or relative to a hard point position.
The individual data fields are:
Description, (string), (units none), (default none)
Label for the force set.
End, (selection), (units none), (default none)
Identifies which suspension corner to apply the force too.
Apply to Part, (selection), (units none), (default none)
Identifies which part in the selected corners suspension to apply the force too.
Magnitude, (real), (units N), (default 0 N)
Defines the magnitude of the force.
Force Head, X, Y and Z, Abs, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of the force head in the global Cartesian co-ordinate system, co-ordinate system origin taken as global co-orindate system origin.
Force Head, X, Y and Z, Rel. to Pnt., (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of the force head in the global Cartesian co-ordinate system, co-ordiante system origin taken as selected hard point.
Force Tail, X, Y and Z, Abs, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of the force tail in the global Cartesian co-ordinate system, co-ordinate system origin taken as global co-orindate system origin.
Force Tail, X, Y and Z, Rel. to Pnt., (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of the force tail in the global Cartesian co-ordinate system, co-ordiante system origin taken as selected hard point.
Force Tail, X, Y and Z, Rel. to Head, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of the force tail in the global Cartesian co-ordinate system, co-ordiante system origin taken as the head of the current force.
{
External Forces Properties Example Data
+$#>
The C of G Properties data is displayed by part. Each part optionally has a point attached to it that is identified as the C of G point. If a template does not have an associated C of G point either an existing point can be flagged as the C of G by editing the template, or a new point can be added to the template via the Edit / Add to Model / Part C of Gs menu options. A point added to the template in this way is automatically flagged as being a C of G point. C of G points are only visible when in compliant mode and are drawn as a green and black quadrant symbol. An additional set of visibility switches are used for C of G points that control point visibility, axis marker points and axes. Older model files will not have C of G points in them and will need modifying to match the updated templates.
{
C of G Marker Point Screen Shot
Part mass properties enable modal frequencies and forced-damped responses to be identified.
The individual data fields are:
Point Label, (string), (default none)
Sets a string label for each point.
Kinematic Point Coordinates (Global), (real), (unit mm), (default none)
Lists the current kinematic hard point co-ordinates.
Point on C of G local Z-Axis, X, Y and Z, Abs, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local Z-axis for the current hard points C of G local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in absolute x, y and z co-ordinates, (absolute implies relative to global Cartesian origin).
Point on C of G local Z-Axis, X, Y and Z, Rel, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local Z-axis for the current hard points C of G local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in relative x, y and z co-ordinates, (relative implies relative to selected hard points position).
Point on C of G local Z-Axis, Pnt, (choice), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local Z-axis for the current hard points bush local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is by selecting another hard point in the suspension model. Typical use of this would be in aligning a bush axis along a wishbone axis by pointing towards the second point on the pivot axis.
Point in C of G local X-Z Plane, X, Y and Z, Abs, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local X-Z plane for the current hard points C of G local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in absolute x, y and z co-ordinates, (absolute implies relative to global Cartesian origin).
Point in C of G local X-Z Plane, X, Y and Z, Rel, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the position of a point on the local X-Z plane for the current hard points C of G local axes, (local axis origin is the current points kinematic position). This definition is in relative x, y and z co-ordinates, (relative implies relative to selected hard points position).
C of G Mass, (real), (units Kg), (default 1.0 Kg)
Sets the mass of the part that this point is the C of G marker for.
C of G Local Inertia, Ixx, Iyy, Izz, Ixy, Ixz and Iyz, (real), (units kg/mm2)
Sets the 6 inertia values for the part. Inertia properties are defined about the local axis system that has been defined by the points above.
{
C of G Properties Example Data
+$#>Data Requirements Type 1: Double Wishbone, Damper to Lower Wishbone
Type 1 Double wishbone, damper to lower wishbone.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
Point 23:
Part 4 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 2: H Frame Lower, Single Upper Link
Type 2 H frame lower, single upper link.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer front pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Lower wishbone outer rear pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper link inner ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper link outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 3: Steerable Macpherson Strut
Type 3 Steerable Macpherson strut.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Strut slider axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Strut top point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
Point 23:
Part 4 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 4: Non-Steerable Macpherson Strut, Twin Lower Link
Type 4 Non-Steerable Mac strut, twin lower link.
Point 1:
Front lower link inboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Rear lower link inboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Front lower link outboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Rear lower link outboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Strut slider axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Strut top point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Reaction rod outboard point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Reaction rod body point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Spring top centre line, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Spring bottom at centre line, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
Point 23:
Part 4 C of G
Point 24:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 5: 5-Link Rigid Axle (Panhard Rod)
Type 5 5-Link Rigid Axle (Panhard Rod).
Point 1:
Right lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Right upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Left lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Left upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Right lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Right upper link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Left lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Left upper link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Panhard rod body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Panhard rod axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Right spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Right spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 13:
Left spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 14:
Left spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 15:
Centre pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Right wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Left wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel stub axle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Part 1 C of G
Point 20:
Part 2 C of G
Point 21:
Part 3 C of G
Point 22:
Part 4 C of G
Point 23:
Part 5 C of G
Point 24:
Part 6 C of G
Point 25:
Part 7 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 6: Double Wishbone, Damper to Upper Wishbone
Type 6 Double Wishbone, damper to upper wishbone.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
Point 23:
Part 4 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 7: Non-Steerable Macpherson Strut, Toe Link to Wishbone
Type 7 Non-Steerable Mac strut, toe link to wishbone.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Strut slider axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Strut top point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Steering link to wishbone ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point on lower arm, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 8: 4-Link Rigid Axle (Panhard Road)
Type 8 4-Link Rigid Axle, (Panhard rod).
Point 1:
Right lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Left lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Right lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Left lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Panhard rod body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Panhard rod axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Right spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Right spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Left spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Right spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Axle tube stub axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Right wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Left wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Part 1 C of G
Point 22:
Part 2 C of G
Point 23:
Part 3 C of G
Point 24:
Part 4 C of G
Point 25:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 9: 4-Link Rigid Axle (Twin Upper)
Type 9 4-Link Rigid Axle (Twin Upper)
Point 1:
Right lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Right upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Left lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Right lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Right upper link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Left lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Left upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Left upper link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Right spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Right spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Left spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Left spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Axle tube - stub axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Right wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Left wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Part 1 C of G
Point 22:
Part 2 C of G
Point 23:
Part 3 C of G
Point 24:
Part 4 C of G
Point 25:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 10: Trailing Arm, Upper and Lower Rear Links
Type 10 Trailing arm, upper and lower rear links.
Point 1:
Trailing arm front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower link inner ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower link outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper link inner ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper link outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper lower trailing arm end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Spring lower trailing arm end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 11: Semi Trailing Arm
Type 11 Semi trailing arm.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper lower trailing arm end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 12: Steerable Twin Parallel Wishbones and Knuckle
Type 12 Steerable twin parallel wishbones + knuckle.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Knuckle centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Knuckle upper axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Knuckle lower axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 22:
Axis point, x,y,z (mm)
Point 23:
Part 1 C of G
Point 24:
Part 2 C of G
Point 25:
Part 3 C of G
Point 26:
Part 4 C of G
Point 27:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 14: Double Wishbone, Push Rod to Damper
Type 14 Double wishbone, push rod to damper.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Push rod wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Push rod rocker end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Damper to body point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Damper to rocker point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Rocker axis 1st point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Rocker axis 2nd point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 22:
Part 1 C of G
Point 23:
Part 2 C of G
Point 24:
Part 3 C of G
Point 25:
Part 4 C of G
Point 26:
Part 5 C of G
Point 27:
Part 6 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 15: Double Wishbone, Rocker Arm Damper
Type 15 Double wishbone, rocker arm damper.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Push rod wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Push rod rocker end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Damper to body point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Damper to rocker point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Rocker axis 1st point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Rocker axis 2nd point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 22:
Part 1 C of G
Point 23:
Part 2 C of G
Point 24:
Part 3 C of G
Point 25:
Part 4 C of G
Point 26:
Part 5 C of G
Point 27:
Part 6 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 16: Non-Steerable Lower A with Toe Link
Type 16 Non-Steerable lower A with toe link.
Point 1:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Front lower link outboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Lower link inboard ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Rear lower link outboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Reaction rod outboard point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Reaction rod body point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
Point 23:
Part 4 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 17: Double Wishbone, Push Rod Monoshock
Type 17 Double wishbone, pushrod monoshock.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Push rod wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Push rod rocker end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Damper to body point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Damper to rocker point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Rocker axis 1st point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Rocker axis 2nd point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 22:
2nd link 1st rocker end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 23:
2nd link damper rocker end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 24:
Damper rocker axis 1st point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 25:
Damper rocker axis 2nd point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 26:
Part 1 C of G
Point 27:
Part 2 C of G
Point 28:
Part 3 C of G
Point 29:
Part 4 C of G
Point 30:
Part 5 C of G
Point 31:
Part 6 C of G
Point 32:
Part 7 C of G
Point 33:
Part 8 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 18: Double Wishbone, Upper Toe Link and S Link
Type 18 Double wishbone, upper toe link + S link.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Upper toe link inboard end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Upper toe link outboard end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 22:
Drop link axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 23:
Part 1 C of G
Point 24:
Part 2 C of G
Point 25:
Part 3 C of G
Point 26:
Part 4 C of G
Point 27:
Part 5 C of G
Point 28:
Part 6 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 19: Hinged Trailing Arm, Twin Lower Link
Type 19 Hinged Trailing Arm, Twin Lower Link.
Point 1:
Lower front link inboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower rear link inboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower front link outboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Lower rear link outboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper link inboard end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper link outboard end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Spring/Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Spring/Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Trailing arm hinge upper joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Trailing arm to body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Trailing arm hinge lower pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Part 1 C of G
Point 22:
Part 2 C of G
Point 23:
Part 3 C of G
Point 24:
Part 4 C of G
Point 25:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 20: Double Wishbone, Twin outer Ball Joints
Type 20 Double Wishbone, Twin Outer Ball Joints.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front link inboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear link inboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone front link outboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front link inboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear link inboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone front link outboard end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper Spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, (to front lower link), x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Lower wishbone rear link outboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Upper wishbone rear link outboard pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 22:
Part 1 C of G
Point 23:
Part 2 C of G
Point 24:
Part 3 C of G
Point 25:
Part 4 C of G
Point 26:
Part 5 C of G
Point 27:
Part 6 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 21: 5-Link Rigid Axle (Watts Linkage)
Type 21 5-Link Rigid Axle (Watts Linkage).
Point 1:
Right lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Right upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Left lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Left upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Right lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Right upper link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Left lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Left upper link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Watts cross link 1, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Watts cross link 2, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Right spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Right spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 13:
Left spring/damper axle, x,y,z (mm).
Point 14:
Left spring/damper body, x,y,z (mm).
Point 15:
Centre pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Right wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Left wheel centre, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel stub axle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Watts upper link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Watts upper link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Watts lower link axle end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 22:
Watts lower link body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 23:
Part 1 C of G
Point 24:
Part 2 C of G
Point 25:
Part 3 C of G
Point 26:
Part 4 C of G
Point 27:
Part 5 C of G
Point 28:
Part 6 C of G
Point 29:
Part 7 C of G
Point 30:
Part 8 C of G
Point 31:
Part 9 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 22: Double Wishbone, Twin Outer Ball Joints, Spring to Front Link
Type 22 Double wishbone, twin outer ball joints, spring to front link.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone front outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Upper wishbone front inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone rear inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone front outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 13:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 14:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 15:
Lower wishbone rear outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper wishbone rear outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Part 1 C of G
Point 18:
Part 2 C of G
Point 19:
Part 3 C of G
Point 20:
Part 4 C of G
Point 21:
Part 5 C of G
Point 22:
Part 6 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 23: Double Wishbone, Twin Outer Ball Joints, Anti-Roll Bar
Type 23 Double wishbone, twin outer ball joints, anti-roll bar.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone front outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone front outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
Point 23:
Part 4 C of G
Point 24:
Lower wishbone front inner pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 25:
Lower wishbone rear inner pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 26:
Lower wishbone front outer ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 27:
Upper wishbone front inner pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 28:
Upper wishbone rear inner pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 29:
Upper wishbone front outer ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 30:
Damper wishbone end(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 31:
Damper body end(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 32:
Outer track rod ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 33:
Inner track rod ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 34:
Upper spring pivot point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 35:
Lower spring pivot point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 36:
Wheel spindle point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 37:
Wheel centre point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 38:
Part 1 C of G(2)
Point 39:
Part 2 C of G(2)
Point 40:
Part 3 C of G(2)
Point 41:
Part 4 C of G(2)
Point 42:
Roll Bar Attachment 1
Point 43:
Roll Bar Attachment 2
Point 44:
Roll Bar to Link 1
Point 45:
Roll Bar to Link 2
Point 46:
Roll Bar Mount 1
Point 47:
Roll Bar Mount 2
Point 48:
Roll Bar Revolute
Point 49:
Drop Link 1 C of G
Point 50:
Drop Link 2 C of G
Point 51:
Roll Bar 1 C of G
Point 52:
Roll Bar 2 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 24: Steerable Macpherson Strut, Twin Outer Ball Joints
Type 24 Steerable Macpherson strut, twin outer ball joints.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone inner front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone inner rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer front ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Lower wishbone outer rear ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Strut slider upper axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Strut top point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Strut slider lower axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 13:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 14:
Part 1 C of G
Point 15:
Part 2 C of G
Point 16:
Part 3 C of G
Point 17:
Part 4 C of G
Point 18:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 25: Double Wishbone, Twin Lower Outer Ball Joints
Type 25 Double wishbone, twin lower outer ball joints.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone front outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear inner pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Lower wishbone rear outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 21:
Part 1 C of G
Point 22:
Part 2 C of G
Point 23:
Part 3 C of G
Point 24:
Part 4 C of G
Point 25:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 26: Double Wishbone, Damper to Lower Wishbone, Compliant Rack
Type 26 Double wishbone, damper to lower wishbone, compliant rack.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Outer track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Inner track rod ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
Point 22:
Part 3 C of G
Point 23:
Part 4 C of G
Point 24:
Lower wishbone front pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 25:
Lower wishbone rear pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 26:
Lower wishbone outer ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 27:
Upper wishbone front pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 28:
Upper wishbone rear pivot(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 29:
Upper wishbone outer ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 30:
Damper wishbone end(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 31:
Damper body end(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 32:
Outer track rod ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 33:
Inner track rod ball joint(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 34:
Upper spring pivot point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 35:
Lower spring pivot point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 36:
Wheel spindle point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 37:
Wheel centre point(2), x,y,z (mm).
Point 38:
Part 1 C of G(2)
Point 39:
Part 2 C of G(2)
Point 40:
Part 3 C of G(2)
Point 41:
Part 4 C of G(2)
Point 42:
Rack Link P1
Point 43:
Rack Link P2
Point 44:
Rack Mount P1
Point 45:
Rack Mount P2
Point 46:
Rack Link C of G
Point 47:
Rack Housing C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 27: Steerable Macpherson Strut, Twin Lower Link
Type 27 Steerable Mac strut, twin lower link.
Point 1:
Front lower link inboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Rear lower link inboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Front lower link outboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Rear lower link outboard, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Strut slider upper axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Strut top point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Strut slider lower axis point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Steering arm outboard end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Steering arm inboard end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Spring top centre line, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Spring bottom at centre line, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 13:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 14:
Part 1 C of G
Point 15:
Part 2 C of G
Point 16:
Part 3 C of G
Point 17:
Part 4 C of G
Point 18:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 28: 4-Link Rear, Transverse Control Link
Type 28 4-Link Rear, Transverse Control Link.
Point 1:
Lower wishbone front pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Lower wishbone rear pivot, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Lower wishbone outer front pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Lower wishbone outer rear pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Upper front link inner ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Upper front link outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Damper wishbone end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
Lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Wheel spindle point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Wheel centre point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 13:
Upper rear link inner ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 14:
Upper rear link outer ball joint, x,y,z (mm).
Point 15:
Drop link to upright, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Part 1 C of G
Point 17:
Part 2 C of G
Point 18:
Part 3 C of G
Point 19:
Part 4 C of G
Point 20:
Part 5 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements Type 29: Twist Beam Twin Wheel
Type 29 Twist Beam Twin Wheel
Point 1:
Trailing arm body point right, x,y,z (mm).
Point 2:
Trailing arm body point left, x,y,z (mm).
Point 3:
Shear point right, x,y,z (mm).
Point 4:
Right damper lower trailing arm end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 5:
Right damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 6:
Right upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 7:
Right lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 8:
Wheel spindle point 1, x,y,z (mm).
Point 9:
Wheel centre point 1, x,y,z (mm).
Point 10:
wheel centre point 2, x,y,z (mm).
Point 11:
Wheel spindle point 2, x,y,z (mm).
Point 12:
Left damper lower trailing arm end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 13:
Left damper body end, x,y,z (mm).
Point 14:
Left upper spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 15:
Left lower spring pivot point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 16:
Shear point left, x,y,z (mm).
Point 17:
Twist beam point right, x,y,z (mm).
Point 18:
Twist beam point left, x,y,z (mm).
Point 19:
Centre connection point, x,y,z (mm).
Point 20:
Part 1 C of G
Point 21:
Part 2 C of G
{
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Solver Tolerances
The 3D Solver uses a number of tolerances to control the calculation process.
Kinematic Solution Tol., (real), (units none), (default 1.e-10)
Controls the solution tolerance used by the kinematic solver in identifying the convergence limit.
The kinematic solver uses a hybrid approach to find a zero of a system of n non-linear functions in n variables by a modification of the Powell hybrid method.
Bump Small Perturbation Size, (real), (units mm), (default 0.05 mm)
The standard approach used by the solver to determine certain derivatives at each suspension step position is to use a small incremental bump displacement. The size of this bump perturbation can be changed if necessary to improve solution stability.
Steer Small Perturbation Size, (real), (units mm), (default 0.05 mm)
For steerable suspension templates that do not have a identified top and bottom ball joint, the standard approach used by the solver to determine the steering axis at each suspension step position is to use a small incremental steer displacement. The size of this steer perturbation can be changed if necessary to improve solution stability.
{
Solver Tolerances Display
+$#>Data Requirements 3D General Defaults
Control of certain display features relies on a set of user controllable values.
Min Allowable Scale Factor, (real), (units none), (default 0.00001)
Sets the minimum scale factor allowed when zooming or dynamically viewing the graphics display. This stops the viewing pipeline from failing through excessive zooming out.
Max Allowable Scale Factor, (real), (units none), (default 500)
Sets the maximum scale factor allowed when zooming or dynamically viewing the graphics display. This stops the viewing pipeline from failing through excessive zooming in.
Tolerance on Point Pick, (real), (units none), (default 0.05)
Defines the size of the pick circle used to check if a point has been selected with the mouse. The value is in 2d screen size, where 1 is the full screen length. A larger number will make the selection easier but increase the chance of mis-selection.
Tolerance on Coincident Point Pick, (real), (units none), (default 0.02)
Defined the screen size value used to determine whether two or more points are considered to be coincident. A greater value will lead to more instances of points being considered coincident.
Joggle Step Size, (real), (units mm), (default 10 mm)
Sets the step size used for joggle mode editing. This is the coarse step size, (Ctrl + arrow), whilst the fine step size, (Shift + arrow), will be 1/10th of this.
Animation Update, (real), (units mSec), (default 50 mSec)
Defines the fastest rate for which animation will update. Machines unable to refresh at this rate will draw at their maximum speed, whilst high specification PCs will be clipped to the defined refresh speed. Reducing this value will increase animation frame rate on high end PCs.
{
General Defaults Display
+$#>Data Requirements Deformed Geometry Scalar
The display of the compliant model displacements has a specific scalar display setting.
Deformed Geometry Scalar, (real), (units none), (default 1.0)
To assist in viewing the model deflections due to the compliance effects a scalar value is editable. This is equivalent to the Finite-element modal analysis scalar value. Note that this controls both the static display and the animation when in compliant mode.
{
Setting the complaint graphics deformed geometry scalar
+$#>Data Requirements Deformed Geometry Position
The animation display of the compliant model occurs at a defined incremental position.
Deformed Geometry Position, (integer), (units none), (default 0)
The animation of compliant deformed geometry is drawn at a defined position. The default setting for this is to animate it at the static position, (0). The deformed geometry at alternative incremental steps can be performed by changing this value. This value is internally clipped to the maximum number of steps available.
{
Setting the complaint graphics deformed geometry position
+$#>Data Requirements Enhanced Graphic Sizes
The Enhanced graphics elements have a number of dimensional properties that can be defined by the user.
Spring Diameter, (real), (units mm), (default 45 mm)
The graphical diameter of the suspension spring is drawn to this diameter.
No of Spring Coils (max 60), (integer), (units mm), (default 10)
Sets the No. of coils used when drawing the suspension spring.
Lower Damper Tube Diameter, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Sets the diameter for the lower tube of the damper enhanced graphics element.
Upper Damper Tube Diameter, (real), (units mm), (default 30 mm)
Sets the diameter for the upper tube of the damper enhanced graphics element.
Damper Number of Facets (max 19), (integer), (units mm), (default 10)
The detail of the cylinder used to draw a damper element is controlled by a number of facets.
Pivot Diameter, (real), (units mm), (default 10 mm)
Defines the diameter of the cylinder used to graphically illustrate model parts that have been identified as pivot axes.
Pivot No. of Facets (max 19), (integer), (units mm), (default 8)
The detail of the cylinder used to draw a pivot is controlled by a number of facets.
Tyre No of Facets (max 31), (integer), (units mm), (default 21)
The detail of the facetted tyre representation is controlled by this value.
Tyre Diameter Shoulder (0-1), (real), (units mm), (default 0.9)
Sets the value for the diameter of the tyre shoulder as a fraction of the rolling radius. The shoulder is the tapered section of the graphical representation.
Tyre Width Shoulder (0-1), (real), (units mm), (default 0.75 mm)
Sets the value for the width of the tyre excluding the shoulder as a fraction of the width. The shoulder is the tapered section of the graphical representation.
3D Tracking Line Length, (real), (units mm), (default 150 mm)
Sets the length of the tracking line drawn through each hard point when in edit mode.
Joggle Symbol Size, (real), (units none), (default 0.05)
Defines the size of the joggle symbol used to indicate the current point when in joggle mode. Size is based on screen size.
C of G Symbol Size, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Defines the diameter of the symbol used to represent the position of the C of G symbol.
Grid Size, (real), (units mm), (default 200 mm)
Sets the size of the squares used to draw the ground plane grid.
{
Editing the Enhanced graphics sizes
+$#>Data Requirements Graphics Label Sizes
The text labels drawn on the graphics display can be set by the user.
Point Value Size, (real), (units mm), (default 20 mm)
Sets the size of the text used to identify the model template point Nos.
Point No. Size, (real), (units mm), (default 20 mm)
Sets the size of the text used to identify the model hard point co-ordinates.
{
Editing the Enhanced graphics label sizes
+$#>Data Requirements Compliance Graphic Sizes
The Compliance graphics elements have a number of dimensional properties that can be defined by the user.
Ball Joint Diameter, (real), (units mm), (default 15 mm)
Defines the diameter of the Rigid ball joints in the compliant model.
Ball Joint Circumferential Complexity, (integer), (units none), (default 10)
Sets the number of facets applied to the ball joint in the circumferential direction.
Ball Joint Height Complexity, (integer), (units none), (default 10)
Sets the number of facets applied to the ball joint in the height direction.
Bush Radius, (real), (units mm), (default 12 mm)
Defines the radius of the Bush elements in the complaint model.
Bush Length, (real), (units mm), (default 30 mm)
Defines the length of the Bush elements in the compliant model.
Bush Circumferential Complexity, (integer), (units none), (default 10)
Sets the number of facets applied to the bush in the circumferential direction.
Bush Height Complexity, (integer), (units none), (default 4)
Sets the number of facets applied to the bush in the height direction.
Bush Axis Length, (real), (units mm), (default 60 mm)
Defines the length of the lines used to indicate the bush local axes.
Tyre Spring Diameter, (real), (units mm), (default 12 mm)
Defines the diameter of the springs for the compliant tyre element.
External Force Head, (real), (units mm), (default 30 mm)
Defines the size of the external force head.
External Force Fixed Length, (real), (units mm), (default 200 mm)
Defines the length of the external force arrow, when force display is set to fixed length.
External/Internal Force Scaled Length, (real), (units mm/N), (default 0.2 mm/N)
Defines the scale factor applied to forces when force display is set to variable length.
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Editing the Compliance graphics sizes
+$#>Data Requirements Graph Markers and Text Sizes
The user can define the graph marker sizes. Additionally the text sizes on the graphs and the compliance results can be set by the user.
Data Marker Size, (real), (units screen size 0-1), (default 0.05)
Defines the size of the marker symbols for the graph Data lines
Scope Marker Size, (real), (units screen size 0-1), (default 0.05)
Defines the size of the marker symbols for the graph Scope lines
User Marker Size, (real), (units screen size 0-1), (default 0.05)
Defines the size of the marker symbols for the graph User lines
Graph Data Values Text Size, (real), (units screen size 0-1), (default 0.03)
Defines the size of the text used to display values of points on the graphs.
Compliance Title Text Size, (real), (units screen size 0-1), (default 0.1)
Defines the size of the text used to display the graph titles on the compliance coefficient results display.
Compliance Label Text Size, (real), (units screen size 0-1), (default 0.067)
Defines the size of the text used to display the variables labels on the compliance coefficient results display.
Compliance Values Text Size, (real), (units screen size 0-1), (default 0.067)
Defines the size of the text used to display the compliance coefficients on the bar chart results display.
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Editing the Graph marker and text sizes
+$#>Data Requirements Graphs Decimal Points Display
The user can define the number of decimal points used on the graph display for individual value displays.
X-Data Listing, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the X data value list.
Y-Data Listing, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the Y data value list.
Derivative Data Listing, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the derivative value on the data list.
Scope Deviation, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the display of the deviation between the data and scope lines.
User Deviation, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the display of the deviation between the data and user lines.
X-Axis Label, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the displayed X-Axis value labels.
Y-Axis Label, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the displayed Y-Axis value labels.
Compliance Graph Values, (integer), (units none), (default 3)
Sets the number of decimal points for the displayed bar chart values on the compliance graphs.
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Editing the displayed Graph Decimal Points settings
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Point Tolerances
Individual point tolerances can be edited by locating the point and tolerance of interest through the tree structure presented and setting the actual limiting value. All point tolerances can be set in one go by defining the delta from their current position in each axis and direction.
For the individual point tolerances setting, select from tree structure and then edit from;
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Selecting the Point and tolerance to Edit from the tree display
Min X, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the minimum allowed hard point value in the X-axis direction.
Max X, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the maximum allowed hard point value in the X-axis direction.
Min Y, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the minimum allowed hard point value in the Y-axis direction.
Max Y, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the maximum allowed hard point value in the Y-axis direction.
Min Z, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the minimum allowed hard point value in the Z-axis direction.
Max Z, (real), (units mm), (default none)
Sets the maximum allowed hard point value in the Z-axis direction.
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Individual Point Tolerance Editing
For the all points tolerances setting, all tolerances are edited as positive difference values along each axis direction, (i.e. both positive and negative axis directions are entered as positive values;
-ve X Tolerance, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Sets the tolerance in the ve X-axis direction for the hard point value.
+ve X Tolerance, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Sets the tolerance in the +ve X-axis direction for the hard point value.
-ve Y Tolerance, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Sets the tolerance in the ve Y-axis direction for the hard point value.
+ve Y Tolerance, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Sets the tolerance in the +ve Y-axis direction for the hard point value.
-ve Z Tolerance, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Sets the tolerance in the ve Z-axis direction for the hard point value.
+ve Z Tolerance, (real), (units mm), (default 25 mm)
Sets the tolerance in the +ve Z-axis direction for the hard point value.
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Editing All point Tolerances
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Spring Data
The suspension spring properties are used to define the spring forces applied to the compliant model, (when enabled). Incremental spring force properties are set by the combination of rate, free length, fitted length and the current spring displacement. Note that only linear rate springs can currently be modeled. All the properties are repeated twice (1) and (2) to support either corner models with two springs or full axle templates.
To edit the spring properties select Data / Compliance Data / Spring Properties&
Front Spring Rate, (real), (units N/mm), (default 41.5 N/mm)
Sets the linear spring rate for the front suspension spring.
Rear Spring Rate, (real), (units N/mm), (default 41.5 N/mm)
Sets the linear spring rate for the rear suspension spring.
Front Spring Free Length, (real), (units mm), (default 300 mm)
Sets the free (un-compresed) length for the front suspension spring.
Rear Spring Free Length, (real), (units mm), (default 300 mm)
Sets the free (un-compresed) length for the rear suspension spring.
Front Spring Fitted Length, (real), (units mm), (default 246.5 mm)
Sets the fitted (installed) length for the front suspension spring.
Rear Spring Fitted Length, (real), (units mm), (default 246.5 mm)
Sets the fitted (installed) length for the rear suspension spring.
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Editing the 3D Spring Data
+$#>
The suspension damper properties are used to define the damping characteristics applied to the compliant model, (when enabled) via the main dampers. The damping due to bushes is included separately via a Bush Loss Angle number that can be edited via the Data / Compliance Data / General Data& menu option. Note that only linear damping can currently be modeled.
To edit the damper properties select Data / Compliance Data / Damper Properties&
Front Damper 1 Rate, (real), (units N/mm), (default 0.4 N.s/mm)
Sets the damper rate for the front suspension damper 1 element.
Rear Damper 1 Rate, (real), (units N/mm), (default 0.4 N.s/mm)
Sets the damper rate for the rear suspension damper 1 element.
Front Damper 2 Rate, (real), (units N/mm), (default 0.4 N.s/mm)
Sets the damper rate for the front suspension damper 2 element.
Rear Damper 2 Rate, (real), (units N/mm), (default 0.4 N.s/mm)
Sets the damper rate for the rear suspension damper 2 element.
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Editing the 3D Damper Data
+$#>Data Requirements 3D Roll Bar Properties
The suspension roll bar properties are used to define the roll stiffness of the roll bar revolute joint, when included in a template. It only affects compliance results.
To edit the roll bar properties select Data / Compliance Data / Roll Bar Properties&
Front Roll Bar Rate, (real), (units N.mm/deg), (default 2.0E6 N.mm/deg)
Sets the roll bar rate for the front suspension roll bar element.
Rear Roll Bar Rate, (real), (units N.mm/deg), (default 2.0E6 N.mm/deg)
Sets the roll bar rate for the rear suspension roll bar element.
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Editing the 3D Roll Bar Properties
+$#>Data Requirements 3D General Compliance Data
The compliant solver uses a number of standard constants in solving the compliant suspension model. These constants can be modified by the user through the data section.
To edit th ese general compliance properties select Data / Compliance Data / General Data&
Singularity Stiffness, (real), (units N/mm), (default 10. N/mm)
Defines the stiffness value used within the solver to remove the singularity caused by components such as tie rods. Eliminates the degree of freedom using this arbitrary stiffness value.
Rigid (Ball Joint) Stiffness, (real), (units N/mm), (default 1.0e8 N/mm)
For ball joints defined as rigid the compliant solver will treat as high stiffness bushes with a constant 3x translational stiffness and 3x zero rotational stiffness. This is the value used for the high translational stiffness.
Rigid Rotation Stiffness, (real), (units N.mm/deg), (default 1.0e8 N.mm/deg)
For joints defined as rotational the compliant solver will treat as a a 6 d.o.f. bush with a constant 3x high translational stiffness and 2x high rotational stiffness. This is the value used for the high rotational stiffness. The translational stiffness is taken as the value above.
Bush Loss Angle, (real), (units deg), (default 3.0 deg)
Defines the default damping value for a bush. User defined values for individual bushes will overwrite this setting.
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Editing the 3D General Compliance Data
+$#>
Template Properties
Each of the template types hard coded into Shark uses a series of properties to identify its form. The properties include;
Template Number
Template Label
No of Parts
Part Labels
No of Points
Point Labels/Point Number
Point default x, y and z values
No of Bushes
Point attachments to parts
Point Types
No of Graphical Elements
Graphical element type
Graphical element associated points
Together with some additional properties this allows the application to both build, display and analyze the kinematic and compliant models for each template.
Hard Coded Templates
By default some 28 templates are hard coded into the application. These are the ones listed in this help file under the 3D suspension templates section. It is important to notice that these hard coded templates have a template index number. This allows the data files to refer to a template type by its index number when loaded, using the model structure as defined by the internal template, just replacing the default x, y and z co-ordinates with those in the model file.
Adding to the Templates
It is possible to add to, (or indeed replace), the standard hard coded templates in two ways. The first is termed as default templates, which are automatically loaded on program start-up. Whilst the second is termed user templates and need to be loaded directly by the user once the application is open. Both default and user templates are stored in ASCII text files that could be edited/viewed through any standard text editor.
Default Templates
The default templates are loaded on program start-up from the file _User_Templates.Dat. This file is searched for in the applications start-up folder, (normally C:\lesoft), and if found is read in. As with the hard coded templates each entry in the default templates file has a template index number, and the default templates properties will be stored at this location. Thus if the index number used clashes with one used by the hard coded templates the hard coded template data will be over written. Whilst this would normally not be recommended it may for example be useful just to change the default point co-ordinates for the hard coded template.
Restoring the Default Templates
The default templates would normally only be loaded on program start-up. It is possible to change the default templates through some external text editor such that you want to re-apply the default templates during a program run. This may also be required is a user defined template has inadvertently over-written a default template index and you require to re-read the default templates. To do this without having to quit the application select File / Re-Read Default Templates.
Loading User Defined Custom Templates
User defined templates are stored in ASCII text files having exactly the same file format as the defaults file. As with the hard coded and default templates each entry in a file will have a template index number. This will be the template slot that will be filled with the following template properties. So as with user templates it is possible to over-write a hard coded or default template when reading in user template data. To load user defined templates from an existing file select File / Add Custom Templates and locate the required file via the browser.
Creating and Editing Templates
The easiest way of modifying and creating templates is to use the supplied template editing tool. This spread sheet based display allows you to view/modify existing templates or create new ones. To open the template editor select File / Edit Templates&
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The display is divided into 4 separate panels, For Parts, Points, Settings and Graphics. As the labels suggest.
The Parts panel identifies how many parts their are in the template and gives each one a label. An additional part is assumed without it needing to be defined, that is the ground/body.
The Points panel defines how many points there are in the template, gives each one a label and a set of default co-ordinates.
The Settings panel defines how the model is connected. This is done by identifying which parts a point is attached too. If it is attached to two parts (including ground), this implies a connection between these two parts at the defined point. If a point is only attached to one point then it does not define a joint. Additionally the settings panel identify points that have a special function, (listed as gen type). Examples of these special functions damper attachment points, steering rack attachment etc. A point may have more than one special function, (listed under gen. type 1 and gen. type 2).
The graphics panel defines any additional graphical elements that the user requires to visualize the suspension template. A number of different graphic element types are available. By default graphical elements are automatically added for the wheel, stub axle, spring and damper and thus do not need to be added by the user.
Data types, Compulsory, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3
Template properties are arranged in sets that are identified by colour.
Compulsory properties, (pale pink), are those that must be defined by the user these include all part and point panel properties together with 4 columns of the settings panel.
The other property sets are arranged into three levels, all of which can be filled automatically, but with decreasing levels of confidence. The automatic fill can be enabled and set to the required level via the Data / Auto Fill menu options. By default the Auto fill option is set to off.
Level 1, (pale mauve), involves identifying and numbering each of the bushes in the template. Setting the auto fill to level 1 or higher fill automatically populate the relevant column and value entry. This auto fill level is the most reliable and can be used with confidence.
Level 2, (pale green), involves identifying the solution type to be used with each point, column 2 of the settings panel. The combination of general type settings and part connections is used to identify the most suitable solution type from the 10 alternatives. Whilst this level of auto fill works for all the hard coded template types it may need some user intervention for new types, but should be used as a first fill.
Level 3, (pale yellow), covers the specific settings for each points solution, columns 6 to 11 for the settings panel. Where relevant it identifies which other points are used in each points solution. Some solution types require no points whilst some will require as many as six, (see the later discussion on this). This auto-fill level is the most likely to need user intervention to set the required properties.
Testing the Template
The settings panel properties are used by the solver to identify the number of unknowns, (i.e. solving for one hard point introduces three unknowns x, y and z), and the equations to use for solving these unknowns. Thus for a successful template settings it is required to have as many equations as unknowns. A utility is provide to pre-test the template properties to check for satisfying this criteria. To test the currently displayed template settings select the menu item Data / Run Validation Test. A scrollable text display is listed identifying the current unknowns versus equations status and the form of each equation. (See later section for discussion on solution types).
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Settings Panel General Types
One of the compulsory properties for each point is the General type setting. As stated previously a point may have more than one general type settings. General types are listed in columns 12 and 13. Not all of the general types need appear in every template, although some general types must appear in each. These required general types are identified below.
The fifteen general types are;
0 None: Defines the point status as having no general type. Examples of this would be most suspension link attachment points to the body and track rod outer ball joints.
1 Wheel Centre: Simple general type that tags the model point used for the wheel centre. Together with the general type 2 below identify the wheel spindle axis. (Required).
2 Stub Axle: Simple general type that tags the model point used to identify the wheel spindle axis. See also type 1 above. (Required).
3 Steering Attachment Point: Identifies which suspension link end point should be used for the steering input from the rack or steering box. The omission of a type 3 point indicates a non-steerable suspension template, and thus will only appear in the rear suspension templates list. This point should be the inboard end of the track rod, i.e. link point connected to body. (Optional).
4 Damper 1 to Suspension: Identifies this point as being the attachment of the damper to the suspension system it also identifies the slider of a Macpherson strut. If this general type is not identified no damper travel and damper ratios will be determined. Examples of this general type include the lower point of a conventional damper and the point used to identify the slider of a Macpherson strut. (Optional except for strut suspensions).
5 Damper 1 to Body (also Strut top): Identifies this point as being the upper attachment point of the damper to the body it also identifies the top of a Macpherson strut . If this general type is not identified no damper travel and damper ratios will be determined. Examples of this general type include the upper point of a conventional damper and the point used to identify the top mount of the Macpherson strut. (Optional except for strut suspensions).
6 Spring 1 to Suspension: Identifies the attachment point of the spring to the suspension. In the case of a conventional coil-over spring damper this point may be the same as type 4 above. If omitted the spring travel and spring ratio parameters will not be calculated. This point would not normally be at a connection between two parts point. (Optional).
7 Spring 1 to Body: Identifies the attachment point of the spring to the body. In the case of a conventional coil-over spring damper this point may be the same as type 5 above. If omitted the spring travel and spring ratio parameters will not be calculated. (Optional).
8 Upper Ball joint: Identifies a point as being the upper ball joint for the steering axis. This must be a connection between two parts to conform with the concept of a steering axis. It is an optional setting in that if it (and the lower ball joint) are not defined the steering axis is determined via a small perturbation of the steering input mechanism. If it can be defined it will lead to faster solution times than the small perturbation method. (Optional).
9 Lower Ball Joint: Identifies a point as being the lower ball joint for the steering axis. This must be a connection between two parts to conform with the concept of a steering axis. It is an optional setting in that if it (and the upper ball joint) are not defined the steering axis is determined via a small perturbation of the steering input mechanism. If it can be defined it will lead to faster solution times than the small perturbation method. (Optional).
10 Strut Slider Point: Sets the point for a Macpherson strut suspension type that is considered to be the location of the top bush for the strut, (attached to the strut body). (Required for Struts).
11 Strut Lower end Point: Sets the point for a Macpherson strut suspension type that is considered to be the location of the strut lower bush, (attached to the strut slider). (Required for Struts).
12 Roll Bar, Bar Attachment: Identifies the location of the roll bar to drop link connection point. (Optional).
13 Roll Bar Axis Point: Identifies a point as being on the cross car axis of a roll bars attachment to the body. (Optional).
14 Roll Bar, Link Attachment: Identifies the point as being the first connection between the roll bar drop link and the suspension. (Optional). Roll bars can only be added to full axle templates so a template must have both this and point 32 defined.
15 Rack Lateral Mount Point: Identifies the point as being the connection between the rack and the body at which the lateral load is taken. Only required if compliant rack force is required on asymmetric loading. (Optional).
16 Rack Mount Point: Identifies the point as being the connection between the second rack connection point to the body. (Optional).
17 Wheel Centre (2): Identifies the point as being a second wheel centre. Typically this implies a rigid axle type of suspension template as it is normal to model independent suspension as individual corners. (Optional).
18 Damper 2 to Suspension: Identifies the point as being the connection between the second damper and the suspension. It could be the left hand side damper in a rigid axle template or the second damper in a two damper corner model, (Optional).
19 Damper 2 to Body: Identifies the point as being the connection between the second damper and the suspension. (Optional).
20 Spring 2 to Suspension: Identifies the point as being the connection between the second spring and the suspension. It could be the left hand side spring in a rigid axle template or the second spring in a twin spring corner model, (Optional).
21 Spring 2 to Body: Identifies the point as being the connection between the second spring and the suspension. (Optional).
22 Rigid Axle Revolute: Defines the point as being the revolute joint required by the over constrained rigid axle templates in kinematic mode. It adds a rotational degree of freedom to allow roll motion to occur kinematically. This rotation is then removed by applying equal and opposite torques in complaint mode as pre-loads of a stiff bush. (Optional).
23 Stub Axle (2): Identifies a second stub axle point used in twist beam type templates where both sides are modelled in one go but have different stub axle references.. (Optional).
24 Shear Point: Used just for twist beam suspensions to identify the different pivot point position used in bump and roll. (Optional).
25 Part C of G Point: Used to identify a point as being the C of G point for its primary part. It is normal for this point to not be used except as the C of G point, i.e. no involved in any joints. (Optional).
26 Upper Ball joint(2): Identifies a point as being the upper ball joint for the steering axis on full axle templates only. This must be a connection between two parts to conform with the concept of a steering axis. It is an optional setting in that if it (and the lower ball joint) are not defined the steering axis is determined via a small perturbation of the steering input mechanism. If it can be defined it will lead to faster solution times than the small perturbation method. (Optional).
27 Lower Ball Joint(2): Identifies a point as being the lower ball joint for the steering axis on full axle templates only. This must be a connection between two parts to conform with the concept of a steering axis. It is an optional setting in that if it (and the upper ball joint) are not defined the steering axis is determined via a small perturbation of the steering input mechanism. If it can be defined it will lead to faster solution times than the small perturbation method. (Optional).
28 Strut Slider Point(2) Sets the point for a Macpherson strut suspension type that is considered to be the location of the top bush for the strut for full axle templates only, (attached to the strut body). (Required for Struts).
29 Strut Lower end Point(2): Sets the point for a Macpherson strut suspension type that is considered to be the location of the strut lower bush for full axle templates only, (attached to the strut slider). (Required for Struts).
32 Roll Bar, Link Attachment(2): Identifies the point as being the second connection between the roll bar drop link and the suspension. (Optional). Roll bars can only be added to full axle templates so a template must have both this and point 14 defined.
33 Steering Attachment Point(2): Identifies which suspension link end point should be used for the steering input from the rack or steering box for the second end in a full axle model only. See also point 3 above. This point should be the inboard end of the track rod, i.e. link point connected to body or rack. (Optional). For a compliant rack to be added to the model this point must be defined together with point 3 above.
34 Roll Bar, Revolute Joint: Identifies the point as being the centre point of a two part roll bar. In kinematic mode this is treated as a simple revolute allowing roll motion. In compliant mode the roll bar stiffness is applied to this point to simulate the effect of the roll bar stiffness. (Optional). Roll bars can only be added to full axle templates so a template must have this point and points 14 and 32 defined.
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Settings Panel Point Types
Point types can be auto filled with a reasonable level of confidence with auto fill set to level 2. The possible nine types are described below to enable direct user editing of this template setting. The equivalent required data values for columns 6 to 11 are also described.
0 To Body/Ground: No unknowns or equation added to the main solver for this point type. No column 6 to 11 data required. Solver will pre calculate the positions of these points based on either incremental body bump or roll displacement. Example points would be any suspension attachment to body points.
1 Solve Direct (Sphere): Adds three unknowns to the solver. Uses the spherical distance relationship of this point to any others listed in columns 6 to 11. Examples of this would be the outer ball joint of a conventional wishbone. Columns 6, 7 and 8 refer to other relevant points on part 1, whilst columns 9, 10 and 11 refer to other relevant points on part 2. As an example a lower wishbone outer ball joint would have two spherical equations with its two inboard body attachment points on its first part, and two spherical equations with the upper wishbones outer ball joint and the track rod outer ball joint on its second part.
2 - Solve Post (Vector Pos): Does not add any unknowns or equations to the main solver for this point type. It is solved after the main solver calculation is complete and uses three other points on the same body to identify its new position. This would normally be used for points such as a springs attachment to a wishbone. The two pivot points and the outer ball joint define its position. Values need to be defined in columns 6, 7,and 8. No values would be expected in columns 9, 10 and 11.
3 Define Z-pos (Wheel Centre): This type is only applicable to the wheel centre point. Solution for the wheel centre is based on a defined z position of the tyre contact point. The two unknowns of x and y are added to the solution. Requires three points to be defined in columns 6, 7 and 8 that identify three other points on part 1, (excluding the stub axle point).
4 Solve Direct (Slider Conn): Specific point type for strut sliders. Equation based on retaining the relationship between the three strut axis points. Requires the strut top and strut lower point to be defined in columns 6 and 7 for the first part. Requires two points to be defined in columns 9 and 10 for points on part 2.
5 Solve Post (Stub Axle): Specific point type for stub axle point. Solve method is based on a post main solver calculation that uses three other points on part 1 to define its position. Normally the wheel centre is given as one of the three.
6 Solve direct (Slider Bottom): Specific type for the strut slider lower axis point. Requires the strut top point to be defined in column 6 for part 1.
7 Solve via Hookes Joint: Normally only required if a simple spherical solution cant be used because a force or connection is applied to a simple link element (i.e. two main suspension connections). An example of this is the mounting of a spring or anti-roll bar to a simple tie rod. The two main connection points are required in columns 6 and 7 for part 1.
8 Solve Post (Sphere): A post main solver spherical calculation. Requires three defining points to be given in columns 6, 7 and 8 for part 1. Example is solution of roll bar drop link to roll bar position. Can only be applied to points that have no control over kinematic wheel position.
9 Pre-Solve (Kine Fix): A pre main solver option calculation. Requires no defining points since the point is assumed to be inactive in kinematic mode. It remains fixed to the part it is defined on (normally ground or a ground fixed part). It is used to add additional compliance effects for parts such as rack mounts and sub frames that are assumed to have no kinematic effect but are included in the compliance matrix.
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Solution Types
The solution types used by the main solver are based on one of six types. The particular type used for each depends on the point type settings discussed above.
A brief description of each solution type is given here:
1 Sphere Equation: Spherical distance between point 1 and point 2.
2 Distance to Vector: Perpendicular distance of point 1 from a vector drawn from point 2 to point 3.
3 x-x Based Slope: The slope between point 1 and point 2 is constant in x-x, i.e. point 1 and two are on the same vector.
4 y-y Based Slope: The slope between point 1 and point 2 is constant in y-y, i.e. point 1 and two are on the same vector.
5 z-z Based Slope: The slope between point 1 and point 2 is constant in z-z, i.e. point 1 and two are on the same vector.
6 Minimum Z value: The lowest point of solid disc at point 1 normal to an axis to point 2 has a lowest z value as defined.
Creating a New Template
The sequence of data entry for creating a new template should be:
1) Identify an empty index No.
2) On the Parts panel enter the template label.
3) On the Parts panel define the number of parts, (make upright last part).
4) On the Parts panel enter the part labels. Ensure the upright is the last part in the list.
5) Change to the Points panel and define the number of points.
6) On the Points panel define the point labels.
7) On the Points panel enter the default x, y and z coordinates.
8) Change to the Settings panel and set the Part 1 and Part 2 properties for each point.
9) On the Settings panel define the relevant Gen. Type 1and Gen. Type 2 settings.
10) Set the Auto fit level to 3 and review the filled values.
11) Check the validity of the auto-filled values using the Data / Run Validation Test& option.
12) If necessary make modifications to columns 6 to 11 to pass test.
13) Change to Graphics panel and add define number of graphical elements.
14) On the Graphics panel enter graphical element data.
+$#>Results Description Introduction
This section describes the results variables listed by individual section. For details see sub sections;
2D Results
3D Suspension Derivatives File
3D Points Listing
3D Compliance Coefficients
3D Bush Deflections
3D Joint/Bush Rotations
3D Bush Forces
+$#>Results Description 2D Results
The 2D results are a reduced set of the 3D derivatives list. The 2D results are normally only viewed through the graphs.
The 2D suspension calculated derivatives for bump/rebound articulations are;
1) Camber Angle
2) Roll Centre Height
3) Track Change
Whilst for 2D roll articulation the calculated derivatives are;
1) Camber Angle
2) Roll Centre Height
3) Roll Centre Lateral
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Typical 2D Results plot
+$#>Results Description 3D Suspension Derivatives File
The Suspension Derivatives Files (SDF) contains a complete textual listing of the suspension model hard points, calculated static ride values and suspension derivatives varying with each articulation type.
For a definition of each suspension derivative see the Theory section.
The SDF file contains:
Listing of input Suspension Hard Points:
Listing depends on suspension type
Static Values:
Camber angle (deg): Static wheel camber angle
Toe Angle (SAE) (deg): Static toe angle, (+ve toe in)
Toe Angle (Plane of Wheel) (deg): Static toe angle, (+ve toe in)
Castor Angle (deg): Static Castor angle.
Castor Trail (Hub Trail) (mm): Static Castor trail.
Castor Offset (mm): Static Castor offset
Kingpin Angle (deg): Static Kingpin angle.
Kingpin Offset (at wheel) (mm): Static Kingpin offset at the wheel centre.
Kingpin Offset (at ground) (mm): Static kingpin offset at the ground plane.
Mechanical Trail (mm): Static Mechanical trail.
Roll Centre Height (mm): Static Roll Centre Height
Derivatives listed for Bump and Rebound Travel:
Camber angle (deg)
Toe Angle (deg)
Castor Angle (deg)
Kingpin angle (deg)
Damper Ratio
Spring Ratio
Anti Dive (%)
Anti Squat (%)
Roll Centre Height to Body (mm)
Roll Centre Height to Ground (mm)
Half Track Change (mm)
Wheelbase change (mm)
Damper Travel (mm)
Spring Travel (mm)
Derivatives listed for Roll Articulation:
Camber angle (deg)
Toe Angle (deg)
Castor Angle (deg)
Kingpin angle (deg)
Damper Ratio
Spring Ratio
Roll Centre Position X (mm)
Roll Centre Position Y (mm)
Roll Centre Position Z (mm)
Half Track Change (mm)
Wheelbase change (mm)
Damper Travel (mm)
Spring Travel (mm)
Derivatives listed for Steer Articulation:
Toe Angle (inner) (deg)
Toe Angle (outer) (deg)
Camber angle (inner) (deg)
Camber Angle (outer) (deg)
Ackermann (%)
Turning Circle Radius (mm)
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+$#>Results Description 3D Points Listing
The suspension hard points can be listed at any user-defined combination of bump and steering travel.
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Setting the Articulation Position for Points Listing
The point listing display is different depending whether the solver is currently in kinematic or compliant mode. In kinematic mode the Hard point co-ordinates are listed for each hard point for both left and right hand wheels of each axle. Values listed are the X, Y and Z co-ordinates in the global co-ordinate system.
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Kinematic Point Listing
In the compliant mode the Kinematic hard point listing is supplemented at each increment by the inclusion of the compliant hard point positions of each part at the joint. The difference between the kinematic hard point and each compliant parts position at the joint is also listed.
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Compliant Point Listing
All dimensions and deflections are listed in the global Cartesian co-ordinates system, with units of mm.
In addition to points being listed at a user-defined position two other options are available. These are list the co-ordinates of all the points for a selected corner and current calculation position, or list the co-ordinates of a selected single point for all the current calculation positions.
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Point Listing for Single Point at All Positions - bump travel shown
+$#>Results Description 3D Compliance Coefficients
The 3D compliance coefficients display summarizes the compliant performance of the suspension under a number of defined force sets. Each load case is represented by a series of Vertical bars, each bar being a user selected suspension derivative. The height of the bar is referred to as compliance co-efficient. The displayed co-efficient is the difference between kinematic model and the compliant model, for the selected suspension parameter.
The sign reflects the direction of the change in the suspension parameter, i.e. a co-efficient of 0.1 for camber indicates that the camber angle has an increase in negative camber of 0.1 due to the bush compliances under this external load set.
Compliance co-efficients are calculated for the ride condition only, (tip, to view at an alternative position, use the Set Ride Height function).
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Example 3D Compliance Coefficients Display
+$#>Results Description 3D Bush Deflections
The 3D bush deflections listing is only available for compliant models. Calculated deflections are listed for each bushed suspension hard point at each articulation increment and for each articulation type. The bush deflections are listed for the currently displayed external force set and suspension spring setting. Only hard point that are bushed will appear in the list. The deflection is the difference between the kinematic position and the compliant position. Note the sign of the deflections is a function of which part is considered to move relative to what. If in doubt check the deformed geometry plot to identify relative sign.
Points are listed labeled by template point No.
Results Given are;
DX Global, (N): Lists the bush deflection component in the global X-axis.
DY Global, (N): Lists the bush deflection component in the global Y-axis.
DZ Global, (N): Lists the bush deflection component in the global Z-axis.
DX Local, (N): Lists the bush deflection component in the local X-axis.
DY Local, (N): Lists the bush deflection component in the local Y-axis.
DZ Local, (N): Lists the bush deflection component in the local Z-axis.
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Example 3D Bush Deflections Listing
+$#>Results Description 3D Joint/Bush Rotations
The 3D joint/bush rotations listing is only available for compliant models. Calculated rotations are listed for each suspension hard point at each articulation increment and for each articulation type. The bush rotations are the kinematic values that are used to determine bush pre-loads when included. The extra rotations due to compliance are not listed.
Points are listed labeled by template point No.
Results Given are;
DX Global, (N): Lists the joint/bush rotation component in the global X-axis.
DY Global, (N): Lists the joint/bush rotation component in the global Y-axis.
DZ Global, (N): Lists the joint/bush rotation component in the global Z-axis.
DX Local, (N): Lists the joint/bush rotation component in the local X-axis.
DY Local, (N): Lists the joint/bush rotation component in the local Y-axis.
DZ Local, (N): Lists the joint/bush rotation component in the local Z-axis.
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Example 3D Joint/Bush Rotations Listing
+$#>Results Description 3D Bush Forces
The 3D bush forces listing is only available for compliant models. Calculated forces are listed for each suspension hard point at each articulation increment and for each articulation type. The bush forces are listed for the currently displayed external force set and suspension spring setting. Each hard point is listed irrespective of whether set as rigid or bushed.
Points are listed labeled by template point No.
Results Given are;
FX Global, (N): Lists the bush force component in the global X-axis.
FY Global, (N): Lists the bush force component in the global Y-axis.
FZ Global, (N): Lists the bush force component in the global Z-axis.
FX Local, (N): Lists the bush force component in the local X-axis.
FY Local, (N): Lists the bush force component in the local Y-axis.
FZ Local, (N): Lists the bush force component in the local Z-axis.
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Example 3D Bush Forces Listing
+$#>
The graphics display animation sequences can be saved to a file. Currently only AVI format is supported, and without compression. A number of options are presented to make creating AVI files a simple task. Files can be created based on a the current motion sequence, i.e. bump, roll, steering or combined, or via a sequence of user selected images.
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AVI File Writer Dialogue Box
The top portion of the display identifies whether the AVI file is to be created from the 'Current Motion Sequence' or from a series of 'Stills'. If using the Current motion sequence option, simply select the 'Write File' option to identify the file name/location to save the AVI file too. The AVI file is then generated.
To create an AVI from a sequence of stills set the option to 'create from stills' then select the 'start' button. This will enable the 'Grab' button and zero the 'frames' counter. You can now set the required graphics view and then 'grab' it. Repeat this process until you have grabbed all required frames and then select 'End' to indicate the end of the grab sequence and enable the 'Save File&' option. Notice that grabbed images can be viewed as an editable list for a limited amount sorting, editing and deletion prior to writing the file.
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Editing the 'Grabbed' Stills list
Within the stills list display users can view individual frames for editing. The application used to do this is identified in the 'BMP use' option at the bottom of the main AVI file writer dialogue.
Both the AVI sequence writer option and the stills grabber option can be either for the complete graphics screen or a selected area. The screen area is defined via clip rectangle the settings for which can either be entered directly or picked via the mouse. A switch is provided to optionally show the clip region on the graphics screen.
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Screen Clip Area Selected
By default the AVI file will include a single copy of the sequence. The user can change the number of cycles that are written to the AVI file. In the case of a user picked sequence of stills they would be repeated n cycle times. The replay rate of the AVI file is set by default to replay at a rate of 10 frames/sec. The user can change this setting prior to creating the file.
A second file write option is provided principally for user grabbed sequences to append the grabbed stills but in reverse order to the AVI file. This then provides a smooth animation sequence from start to end and back to start again when looping through, without having to pick a full sequence.
The AVI file can be viewed automatically after writing by having the 'Open AVI in viewer after Write/Save' option checked. The AVI will be viewed using the application identified in the Windows registry as being the default AVI file viewer. This can be specified directly by the user through 'AVI Use'; setting.
$#>Theory Definition of Suspension Derivatives
Introduction
A large number of suspension derivatives are calculated by SHARK, some are given at the static ride height only, whilst the variation with articulation is determined for others. The definition of these derivatives is given in this section and are based upon the SAE standard Vehicle Dynamics Terminology SAE J670e. Where variations from this standard exist or where specific Lotus standards have been applied these will be identified. The units used together with the sign convention are also stated. The calculation formulae are given in terms of both the Shark co-ordinate system and point numbering system.
Static Values
Camber Angle, (deg)
The inclination of the wheel plane to the vertical. It is considered positive when the wheel leans outward at the top and negative when it leans inward.
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Camber Angle Definition
Toe Angle, SAE, (deg)
The static toe angle of a wheel at a specified wheel load or relative position of the wheel centre with respect to the sprung mass, is the angle between a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the line of intersection of the wheel plane and the road surface. The wheel is toed-in if the forward portion of the wheel is turned towards a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle (+ve), and toed-out if turned away, (-ve).
Toe Angle, Plane of Wheel, (deg)
This derivative is a Lotus definition which has the same units and sign convention as the SAE term, but instead of using the intersection of the wheel plane to the ground as the toe line, the angle is measured in the plane of the wheel.
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Toe Angle Definitions
Castor Angle, (deg)
The angle in side elevation between the steering axis and the vertical. It is considered positive when the steering axis is inclined rearward (in the upward direction), and negative when the steering axis is inclined forward.
Castor Trail, hub trail, (mm)
The horizontal distance in side elevation between the steering axis and the wheel centre. The offset is considered positive when the steering axis is forward of the wheel centre and negative when it is rearward.
Castor Offset, (mm)
The distance in side elevation between the point where the steering axis intersects the ground, and the centre of tyre contact. The offset is considered positive when the intersection point is forward of the tyre contact centre and negative when it is rearward.
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Castor Angle and Offset Definitions
Kingpin Angle, (deg)
The angle in front elevation between the steering axis and the vertical. It is considered positive when the steering axis leans inwards at the top and negative when it leans out.
Kingpin offset, at wheel, (mm)
Kingpin offset at the wheel centre is the horizontal distance in front elevation from the wheel centre to the steering axis. It is considered positive when the wheel centre is outboard of the steering axis, (normal case), and negative if inboard.
Kingpin offset, at ground, (mm)
Kingpin offset at the ground is the horizontal distance in front elevation between the point where the steering axis intersects the ground and the centre of the tyre contact. It is considered positive when the tyre contact is outboard of the steering axis intersection and negative if inboard.
Mechanical Trail, (mm)
The perpendicular distance in side elevation between the steering axis and the centre of tyre contact. It is considered positive when the steering axis is forward of the tyre contact centre and negative when it is rearward.
{
Kingpin Angle and Offset Definitions
Roll Centre Height, (mm)
The point in the transverse vertical plane through any pair of wheel centres at which lateral forces may be applied to the sprung mass without producing suspension roll. The preceding is the SAE definition, and is more normally stated as the instantaneous centre of rotation of the body. At static for a symmetrical suspension this point lies on the vehicle centreline and thus only the roll centre height is quoted at static. The calculation procedure uses a small bump step to define the tyre contact patch path, and allows a perpendicular plane to be constructed to this path at the current contact point. The intersection of this plane with either the other sides plane, (roll), or the vehicle centre line, (bump) defines the roll centre position.
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Roll Centre Height Definition
Incremental Values, (Included in SDF formatted file)
Camber Angle, (deg)
The inclination of the wheel plane to the vertical. It is considered positive when the wheel leans outward at the top and negative when it leans inward.
Toe Angle, SAE, (deg)
The static toe angle of a wheel at a specified wheel load or relative position of the wheel centre with respect to the sprung mass, is the angle between a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the line of intersection of the wheel plane and the road surface. The wheel is toed-in if the forward portion of the wheel is turned towards a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle (+ve), and toed-out if turned away, (-ve).
Toe Angle, Plane of Wheel, (deg)
This derivative is a Lotus definition which has the same units and sign convention as the SAE term, but instead of using the intersection of the wheel plane to the ground as the toe line, the angle is measured in the plane of the wheel.
Castor Angle, (deg)
The angle in side elevation between the steering axis and the vertical. It is considered positive when the steering axis is inclined rearward (in the upward direction), and negative when the steering axis is inclined forward.
Kingpin Angle, (deg)
The angle in front elevation between the steering axis and the vertical. It is considered positive when the steering axis leans inwards at the top and negative when it leans out.
Damper Ratio
The ratio of change in the vertical height of the tyre contact centre and the change in length of the damper. It has no sign convention and would be greater than one when the change in vertical height of the wheel is more than the change in length of the damper. (Lotus definition).
Spring Ratio
The ratio of change in the vertical height of the tyre contact centre and the change in length of the spring. It has no sign convention and would be greater than one when the change in vertical height of the wheel is more than the change in length of the spring. (Lotus definition).
Anti Dive, (%)
The ratio, given as a percentage, of the amount of the weight transfer under breaking that is reacted by the suspension geometry in resisting the body pitching motion. Thus 100% anti-dive results in no theoretical body pitching under braking. The construction technique relies on the suspension side view instantaneous centre being found and then further construction using brake split and vehicle c of g height. (Lotus Definition). Side view instantaneous centres (I.C.) are determined using small perturbation and projecting a normal to the path of the tyre contact point. Note that the origin point changes depending whether braking is inboard or outboard.
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% Anti-Dive Derivation
Anti Squat, (%)
The ratio, given as a percentage, of the amount of the weight transfer under acceleration that is reacted by the suspension geometry in resisting the body pitching motion. Thus 100% anti-squat results in no theoretical body pitching under acceleration. The construction technique relies on the suspension side view instantaneous centre being found and then further construction using torque split and vehicle c of g height.. (Lotus Definition). Side view instantaneous centres (I.C.) are determined using small perturbation and projecting a normal to the path of the tyre contact point. The value is only applicable to axles with some portion of the drive load. Note that the origin position changes depending on whether the suspension is independent or not.
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% Anti-Squat Derivation 4WD
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% Anti-Squat Derivation - FWD
Roll Centre Height to Body, (mm)
The point in the transverse vertical plane through any pair of wheel centres at which lateral forces may be applied to the sprung mass without producing suspension roll. The preceding is the SAE definition, and is more normally stated as the instantaneous centre of rotation of the body. At static for a symmetrical suspension this point lies on the vehicle centreline and thus only the roll centre height is quoted at static. This is the variation of the roll centre height with wheel bump/rebound articulation, relative to the body origin. (Lotus definition).
Roll Centre Height to Ground, (mm)
See full description above. This is the variation of the roll centre height with wheel bump/rebound articulation, relative to the ground origin. (Lotus definition).
Half Track Change, (mm)
The change in cross car co-ordinates from the static condition of the tyre contact centre. It is considered positive when the change is an increase the track and negative for a decrease in track. (Lotus definition).
Wheelbase Change, (mm)
The change in fore/aft car co-ordinates from the static condition of the tyre contact centre. It is considered positive when the change is an increase in the wheelbase and negative for a decrease in wheelbase. (Lotus definition).
Damper Travel, (mm)
The change in distance from the static condition between the two points defining the damper attachment points. It is considered positive when the change is such as to increase the distance between them and negative when it decreases. (Lotus definition).
Spring Travel, (mm)
The change in distance from the static condition between the two points defining the spring attachment points. It is considered positive when the change is such as to increase the distance between them and negative when it decreases. (Lotus definition).
Roll Centre Position, X, (mm)
The incremental X co-ordinate of the roll centre under roll articulation. (Lotus Definition)
Roll Centre Position, Y, (mm)
The incremental Y co-ordinate of the roll centre under roll articulation, normally given the wheel centre value. (Lotus Definition)
Roll Centre Position, Z, (mm)
The incremental Z co-ordinate of the roll centre under roll articulation. (Lotus Definition)
Ackermann, (%)
The ratio, given as a percentage, of the actual steer angles compared to those required for zero scrub. (Lotus Definition)
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% Ackermann Definition
Additional Incremental Values, (Available on Graphs or SDF splines file)
Castor Trail, (mm)
The horizontal distance in side elevation between the steering axis and the wheel centre. The offset is considered positive when the steering axis is forward of the wheel centre and negative when it is rearward.
Castor Offset, (mm)
The distance in side elevation between the point where the steering axis intersects the ground, and the centre of tyre contact. The offset is considered positive when the intersection point is forward of the tyre contact centre and negative when it is rearward.
Kingpin offset, at wheel centre, (mm)
Kingpin offset at the wheel centre is the horizontal distance in front elevation from the wheel centre to the steering axis. It is considered positive when the wheel centre is outboard of the steering axis, (normal case), and negative if inboard.
Kingpin offset, at ground, (mm)
Kingpin offset at the ground is the horizontal distance in front elevation between the point where the steering axis intersects the ground and the centre of the tyre contact. It is considered positive when the tyre contact is outboard of the steering axis intersection and negative if inboard.
Mechanical Trail, (mm)
The perpendicular distance in side elevation between the steering axis and the centre of tyre contact. It is considered positive when the steering axis is forward of the tyre contact centre and negative when it is rearward.
TCP Position, X, (mm)
The incremental X co-ordinate of the tyre contact point.
TCP Position, Y, (mm)
The incremental Y co-ordinate of the tyre contact point.
TCP Position, Z, (mm)
The incremental Z co-ordinate of the tyre contact point.
Hub Position, X, (mm)
The incremental X co-ordinate of the wheel centre point.
Hub Position, Y, (mm)
The incremental Y co-ordinate of the wheel centre point.
Hub Position, Z, (mm)
The incremental Z co-ordinate of the wheel centre point.
Tyre Vertical Force, (N)
The incremental value of the vertical force at the tyre contact point. Only given in compliant mode.
Swing Arm Length {Front}, (mm)
The incremental length of the front view virtual swing arm.
Swing Arm Centre Y {Front}, (mm)
The incremental Y position of the front view virtual swing arm centre.
Swing Arm Centre Z {Front}, (mm)
The incremental Z position of the front view virtual swing arm centre.
{
Front View Swing Arm Definitions
Swing Arm Length {Side}, (mm)
The incremental length of the side view virtual swing arm.
Swing Arm Centre X {Side}, (mm)
The incremental X position of the side view virtual swing arm centre.
Swing Arm Centre Z {Side}, (mm)
The incremental Z position of the side view virtual swing arm centre.
Roll Centre Height to Body, (mm)
The point in the transverse vertical plane through any pair of wheel centres at which lateral forces may be applied to the sprung mass without producing suspension roll. The preceding is the SAE definition, and is more normally stated as the instantaneous centre of rotation of the body. At static for a symmetrical suspension this point lies on the vehicle centreline and thus only the roll centre height is quoted at static. This is the variation of the roll centre height with wheel bump/rebound articulation, relative to the body origin. (Lotus definition).
Roll Centre Height to Ground, (mm)
See full description above. This is the variation of the roll centre height with wheel bump/rebound articulation, relative to the ground origin. (Lotus definition).
TCP dx/dz Gradient, (mm/mm)
The incremental value for the gradient of the Tyre contact point when viewed from the side.
$#>KKLOTUS ENGINEERING
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