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This paper will discuss the vehicle top-down design approach that includes the non-linearity and sub-system interactions such as tire and road, (left and right) interaction between two or more parts connected by bushings, springs, bolts, stabilizer-bar, etc… The proposed method would allow for the inclusion of realistic boundary conditions and proper load simulation, and it would provide the ability to visualize and evaluate dynamic structural phenomena and complex component interaction. This approach would also facilitate the evaluation of design changes that may affect load propagation and/or load magnitude. All of the advantages of the sub-system analysis method mentioned above would allow for a greater understanding of the sub-system as a whole and help correctly identify the design requirements needed for the individual components that make up such chassis subsystems.

Durability of automotive structures is a primary engineering consideration that is evaluated during a vehicle's design and development. In addition, it is a basic expectation of consumers, who demand ever-increasing levels of quality and dependability. Automakers have developed corporate requirements for vehicle system durability which must be met before a products is delivered to the customer. To provide early predictions of vehicle durability, prior to the construction and testing of prototypes, it is necessary to predict the forces generated in the vehicle structure due to road inputs. This paper describes an application of the “virtual proving ground” approach for vehicle durability load prediction for a vehicle on proving ground road surfaces. Correlation of the results of such a series of simulations will be described, and the modeling and simulation requirements to provide accurate simulations will be presented.