Grabcad application in simulation of automobile technology

Abstract

Automotive engineering simulation on 3-D models if done right will accurately reflect the structure and technical characteristics of parts, component assemblies or the whole vehicles. 3-D model is often done in specialized software. Automotive engineering simulation has now grown strongly and extensively thanks to the development of fast design and rapid prototyping technologies such as optical scanning, 3D printing and software that are increasingly adding extended applications. In the process of automotive engineering simulation, the design work takes a lot of time while significantly affects the outcome of the problem. Grabcad is a repository that provides free 3-D design models with high level of details and accuracy. The paper presents the Grabcad application with 3-D model of vehicle body. Using finite element method and Ansys Workbench software, vehicle body is simulated to study the vibration behavior when using thin metal plates with different thickness. The simulation is repeated with composite material instead of metal. The results include the analyses of each individual oscillation, harmonic vibration of the body with different thicknesses and materials. Combined with analyzing the excitation force frequency on the tires, the study suggest the optimal selection the plates thickness or use composite materials to avoid the resonance and improve the vibration characteristics