Distributed Multibody Dynamic Analysis within Product Development

A method that supports distribution of multibody dynamic analysis is proposed and developed. Ethnographic methods are used as a means for gaining a deeper understanding of the engineering analysis work practice, and the findings form the base for a cooperative design of the system. The concept of design rationale is applied in order to deal with current problems of engineering analysis, such as irrelevant input and output, as well as satisfying the need for useful, real-time feedback. The web based simulation environment, applied to vehicle system dynamics, contains the simulation packages ADAMS and MATLAB and incorporates database technology. The possibility to distribute simulation models and results, from simulation experts to design experts and engineers, as well as subcontractors, is created. The proposed method requires changes in the existing multibody dynamic simulation methodology regarding aspects of incorporation in product development theories. INTRODUCTION The challenge for industry today is to arrive at a product design that has been systematically optimised according to customer needs. Products must hit the market faster, more often, at lower development costs, while still meeting demands on quality and performance [1,2]. Consequently, specialised disciplines have to be integrated in a simultaneous, or concurrent, engineering process where all the relevant activities, such as design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing are involved and coupled at an early stage of the development process [3,4]. Simulation techniques of mechanical dynamic systems have a large potential in product development but are only partly used today [5]. This is due to problems like modelling complexity, software immaturity and user inexperience. Even though computer-based tools for modelling and simulation have rapidly changed the best practice of product development, simulation of multibody dynamics is far from a product development support used throughout the whole company today. In order to make it possible for a design engineer, and not only for a specialist in dynamics, to use simulation methods