Integrated suite of simulation software helps manufacturer to shorten development time and optimize designs early in the cycle for durability, ride and handling
Leuven, Belgium – LMS, the engineering innovation company, announced today that LMS Virtual.Lab simulation software is being deployed by Schmitz Cargobull for system-level studies in the development of commercial transportation products. Schmitz Cargobull is a leading manufacturer of trailers, container bodies, hauler beds and other commercial truck products for the European market. The company is implementing the LMS solution to help shorten the development cycle and optimize designs for attributes such as lighter weight, smoother ride, improved handling and longer durability.
The solution being implemented by Schmitz Cargobull includes a state-of-the-art simulation software suite integrated on the LMS Virtual.Lab platform. LMS Virtual.Lab Motion for multibody simulation lets engineers study the dynamic behavior of the complete suspension system. LMS Virtual.Lab Durability allows Schmitz Cargobull engineers to predict the fatigue life of components based on dynamic loads. The tight link to multibody simulation means that the Schmitz Cargobull development team can quickly explore the structural strength and fatigue life of numerous items on component and system assembly levels to make appropriate design changes. To evaluate ride and cornering behavior and determine the associated loads, engineers can use LMS CD Tire to calculate forces from pneumatic tires in contact with 3D road surfaces. The software tracks tire vibrations up to 80 Hz, and a road surface interface readily accommodates large sets of digitized test-track data.
The company notes that one major reason for selecting the software is the tight integration between the various modules. The LMS Virtual.Lab software suite lets engineers quickly alternate between vehicle dynamics and durability analysis without leaving one application, logging into another and performing time-consuming manual data translations. Schmitz Cargobull engineers can also study and optimize multiple attributes at the same time, reports the company, especially the many different and often-conflicting engineering requirements for trailer and other vehicle suspension system development.
Since LMS Virtual.Lab works smoothly across a wide range of applications, engineers can readily evaluate designs according to various target parameters and quickly arrive at the best possible design. They can develop suspensions and subassembly parts that have adequate strength for reliable performance, for example, without being over-designed and heavier than necessary. Creating more durable designs with less material lowers manufacturing costs and results in lighter-weight, fuel-saving products with longer lifespans. In this way, Schmitz Cargobull reports that LMS Virtual.Lab helps strengthen the company’s competitive position in the transportation market with product attributes that directly address the needs and business pressures of their growing worldwide customer base.
About LMS:
LMS is an engineering innovation partner for companies in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. LMS enables its customers to get better products to market faster, and turn superior process efficiency to their strategic competitive advantage. LMS delivers a unique combination of virtual simulation software, testing systems, and engineering services. We are focused on the mission critical performance attributes in key manufacturing industries, including structural integrity, handling, safety, reliability, comfort and sound quality. Through our technology, people and over 25 years of experience, LMS has become the partner of choice for most of the leading discrete manufacturing companies worldwide. LMS, a Dassault Systèmes Gold Partner, is certified to ISO9001:2000 quality standards and operates through a network of subsidiaries and representatives in key locations around the world. For more information on LMS, visit www.lmsintl.com.
