A competition on the heavy commercial truck market is very hard. The principal Russian heavy truck maker KAMAZ Incorporated applies efforts in order not to lag behind main foreign truck makers which are very active in the Russian auto market. Along with expanding test facilities, KAMAZ implemented MSC VPD technologies into development of new trucks. Certainly, KAMAZ uses new technology to solve the most actual problem of new truck development. It was decided to use Adams (including special module Adams/Driveline) to build and simulate a dynamic model of a new gear box. Since the main purpose of the work is stress-strain analysis of the gear box case, a detailed finite-element model of that part was built and a corresponding .mnf-file was obtained by Patran and MSC Nastran accordingly. The model of case was incorporated into Adams/Driveline model, which also includes gears and shafts. The model gear box links to models of propshaft and load. Using the developed model a simulation of KAMAZ standard gear box test was conducted and by Adams/Durability results of simulation were exported. After that stress-strain parameters and durability of gear box case were calculated by MSC Nastran and Fatigue accordingly. Based on the results of computer simulation recommendations on improvement of gear box case design was created. This example of MSC software application at KAMAZ shows that implementation of VPD technologies can significantly improve new trucks quality, reduce costs for their development and time-to-market.

Vladimir S. Karabtzev graduated from the Moscow State University, faculty of mechanics and mathematics. In 1981 he joined KAMAZ Inc. where he has risen from design engineer to principal test and simulation specialist. Now he is Head of the computer simulation group which works on forecasting of vehicle elements reliability and endurance using MSC.Software tools. He is known in Russia and CIS as specialist in applied vehicle aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, speed characteristics and computer simulation. He is the co-author of more than 30 articles published in several technical magazines such as "Automotive Industry", "Automotive Industry Bulletin", "The magazine of Automotive Engineer Association" (Russia) and "The Mechanics of Machines, Mechanisms and Materials" (Belorussia). He took part in many scientific and technical conferences in Russia and foreign countries. According to the results of All-Russian competition "Engineer of the Year 2008" he was named "Professional engineer of Russia".

Anil Yilmaz (Turkey)
Anil Yilmaz, CAE Engineer, R&D Department
"ADAMS/EASY5 Cosimulation for a Bus with Airsprings"

Airsprings are widely used in commercial vehicles to maintain a constant ride height and improved comfort. However, ADAMS itself is not convenient to model this complex pneumatic system. Another software should also be involved to calculate airsprings effect depending on vehicle driving condition. At this stage, EASY5 is ready to model airsprings and exchange data with ADAMS to see the function of this system. By a parametric model, airspring characteristics can be optimized for ride & handling, air bellow, leveling valve selection can be easier.

Anil YILMAZ graduated Mechanical Engineering (B.S) at Middle East Technical University (METU-Ankara) in 2001 and Automotive Systems Engineering (M.Sc.) at RWTH-Aachen in 2004.Interested in vehicle dynamics, MBS Simulations and application of active control systems to vehicle dynamics. Started working in CAE group of OTOKAR, R&D department in June 2005, which is one of the leading commercial & military vehicle manufacturers in Turkey. Main objective was to model and simulate different vehicle models to calculate body loads to support FEM team by using ADAMS/Car and EASY5. Modeled many different vehicle models (4x4, 6x6, 8x8) having different steering and suspension types. On the other hand, designed steering systems for both rigid axle and independent suspension vehicles. Currently working on design of independent suspension systems for different applications.

It has been shown in a recent paper [1] how the direct study of modal remainders,- termed "method of orthocomplement"-, naturally leads to closed-form modal developments, involving pseudo-static and accelerated modal contributions. Corrective terms being no longer derived from re-assembly and re-projection, the proposed method brings significant practical simplifications. Applications in receptance synthesis [1,2], and model reduction [3] have been given for discrete or continuous, structures or acoustic systems. The Virtual Product Development Conference has been thought to be a good opportunity to briefly recall the proposed methodology and first examples, and argue in favour of future dmap® developments for the direct obtention of pseudo-static matrices, in structural or acoustical domains.

Jean-Marie Lagache received his technical degree in civil engineering in 1973, followed by a post-graduate diploma in theoretical mechanics in Paris 6 University. His doctoral dissertation - on topological shape optimization and Michell theory - was defended in Paris 6 in 1978, after about 20 publications in reviews and congresses. Jean-Marie Lagache has joined the Peugeot-Citroen company in 1983 , where parallel to teaching and research activities, first in Ecole Centrale and then in Estaca, he now works in the fields of acoustics and structural vibrations.

The acceleration behavior of a vehicle is highly dependent on the rotating and oscillating masses in an engine. Therefore layout of the rotating parts in racing engines has a considerable influence on the performance. Since crankshaft is the central rotating component in an engine, the design of this component possesses high potentials which may improve the speed-up behavior and decrease the response time of an engine. In order to search for the potentials which could be exploited for further optimization, detailed component analysis is indispensable. In this point of view, FEV utilizes the multibody dynamic tool "FEV Virtual Engine powered by MSC" to calculate the engine dynamics and to investigate the complex interactions which can be hardly resolved with single purpose or empirical calculation tools. This paper illustrates a methodology to analyze the crankshaft dynamics of the FEV V8 racing engine and shows the optimization possibilities to reduce the rotating masses.

M. Cagri Cevik completed his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering in 2003 in Istanbul, Turkey at Istanbul technical university. He continued his studies in Germany and completed Master of Science in mechanical engineering in 2006 in Aachen, Germany at RWTH Aachen University. After finishing his master thesis at BMW in Munich, he joined to the institute of combustion engines (VKA) at RWTH Aachen University as research assistant. His specialization area is the simulation of the dynamic engine components. He is currently pursuing his PhD on the subject "borderline design of crankshafts" and supporting concurrently the FEV CAE-team.

The abstract discusses a reliable process for the design of a cone parking lock for a rear wheel drive vehicle with the following work-steps: set up of a hybrid simulation model including spring-mass models and a multi body system within MSC.Adams, simulation of all verification tests and the comparison of simulation results with test rig data. The investigation of the cone parking system includes functional verification, determination of latch velocities, calculation of maximum of the latch force, proof of low temperature func-tionality and the ratcheting test. The comparison of simulation results with test results is conducted to prove that the selected type of model is the optimum resemblance of reality.

Markus Kirchner has been a development engineer for CAE Methods at Getrag GmbH since 1997. Previously he was a scientific officer from 1995-1997 and scientifc assistant from 1992-1995 at the Institute of Mechanics, Reseach University of Karlsruhe. He has published the following papers: Parksperrenauslegung mittels Mehrkorpersimulation - von der Funktionsanalyse bis zum Abbilden hochdynamischer Versuchsvorgange (2009); Lebensdauerabschatzung umlaufbiegebeanspruchter, nicht rotationssymmetrischer Wellenbauteile (2002); Quasi-static Structural Analysis with LS-Dyna - Merits and Limits (1999)

A spacecraft development and its electric equipment is the main field of scope of All-Russian Scientific and Research Institute of Electromechanics (NPP VNIIEM). There are a lot of dynamic problems in spacecraft development and modification. Among them: calculation of loads acting onto spacecraft parts, strength analysis, NVH problem, optimization of precision stabilization system, etc. Over a long period of time NPP VNIIEM has been developing its own methods and software. Since 2005 NPP VNIIEM has been also effectively using MSC technologies. The sources of dynamics load which act onto satellite vary at different stages of satellite life cycle (ground transportation and launch overloads, vibration of on-board equipment, etc.). Numerous simulations of several parts of satellites such as satellite-borne equipment frame, hermetic enclosure, antennas, solar panel array and other satellite parts were conducted by Patran and MSC Nastran. Based on the results of these simulations the design of satellites was refined and optimized. A very complex and significant problem is that of a solar panel array deployment simulation. Models of each flexible solar panel were built by Patran and MSC Nastran. Using a set of solar panel models a complex modal of solar panel array was created in Adams. Based on the developed model several simulations of solar panel array deployment (including study of solar panel array performance with different type of fixed links between panels) were conducted. The results of simulations were successfully used for refining and optimization of solar panel array design.

Igor Pugach graduated from Moscow Aviation Institute (State Technical University) (MAI), Aerospace faculty. Since 2002 till 2004 he works for "A.S.Yakovlev Design Bureau", survivability and resource department; 2004 - till now - he works for Governmental Unitary RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE - ALL-RUSSIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE of ELECTROMECHANICS with PLANT named after A.G. Iosifian (VNIIEM) in General Scientific-Technical Research department of Dynamics and Strength Laboratory. He provides stress and dynamics analysis for satellites with use of MSC.Software systems (MSC Nastran, Patran, Adams, Marc) and also participates in testing.

At present time performance characteristics (including fuel consumption characteristics) of modern civil aircraft are very important. The kinematic and dynamics of wing mechanization affect significantly aerodynamics parameters and fuel consumption characteristics of aircrafts, accordingly. Because of complex kinematics of wing mechanization of Tu-204 type aircraft, MSC's Adams was used to simulate the above mentioned mechanism. Based on the experience of design and operation of Tu-204 type aircraft it was clear that only considering kinematic features and flexibility of flaps will guarantee achievement of simulation goals. Finite-element models of flexible flaps of wings were developed with application of Patran. The finite-element models consider aerodynamic loads which are applied onto flaps in real flight conditions. A detailed Adams model includes all parts of wing mechanization (actuators, gears, etc.) and imported models of flexible components (flaps), which were built by MSC Nastran. It was disclosed with application of complex Adams model, that only a model with flexible parts can simulate a real work of wing mechanization of Tu-204 type aircraft. By the simulation of flaps ejecting the parameters of that process were calculated. The most interesting results of the simulation are the values of loads, acting onto the parts of mechanism, and local stresses in the flaps. The obtained results are very important for refinement of Tu-204 type aircraft design. The developed simulation approach and calculation model will be used in development of new aircrafts of Tupolev Design Bureau.

Anastasia Karpechenko graduated from Aerospace department of Omsk State Technical University in 2000. In 2005, she defended her dissertation and obtained a Ph D degree. At present time she works for Mathematical Simulation department of JSC "Tupolev". She provides engineering analysis of mechanical systems for Tu-204 family aircraft, decides dynamic problems for wing mechanization, extension and retraction landing gear, etc. with use of MSC Software systems (Adams, MSC Nastran, Patran, Easy 5).

When developing new mechanisms or machines, foreseen to run at a high speed, designers should take into consideration the elastodynamic behaviour of their links, by properly modelling and simulating the system. The motion of the links may be influenced so deeply by their flexibility that the mechanism could fail to properly perform its task; moreover, high accelerations and dynamic stress may occur, causing early fatigue failure, and high levels of vibration and noise. Modal and kineto-elastodynamic (KED) analyses of the mechanism models are fundamental tools to predict the system behaviour considering also the effects of the compliance of links and joints. In particular, modal analyses provide the natural frequencies and the vibrational mode shapes of the system, that generally vary with the mechanism configuration; KED analyses provide the driving forces/torques, the reaction forces, the actual motion of a given link... In order to study the Flexible-body Dynamics, a finite element (FEM) approach is often followed. This work offers a procedure to effectively develop the FEM model of flexible links using MD Patran/Nastran in a form suitable to be assembled in MD Adams, where modal and KED analyses of the mechanism are performed. A planar four-bar linkage is taken as reference to illustrate the main steps to be followed, from the link modelling to the mechanism simulation and results extraction. In particular the alternative options offered by the softwares are analysed and discussed, to provide the MSC-Software users with all the information necessary to develop an effective tool for their simulations.

Alberto Martini received his Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Bologna - Engineering Faculty, grade 110/110 cum laude in 2007. From 2008 he's a Ph. D. student in Industrial Engineering - Applied Mechanics, at the University of Bologna - Engineering Faculty. His fields of research are Mechanics of Machines (elastodynamic modelling of multibody mechanical systems) and Mechanical Vibrations (vibration analysis techniques for fault detection and diagnosis).

MECCANICA GENERALE (Italy)
Paolo Malatesta, Simulation and Testing Department Manager
"MBD Analysis and Experimental Validations on a Washing Machine"

The household appliances market is nowadays one of the most competitive in terms of product innovation and quality-cost ratio. In this challenging contest, the use of simulation softwares in the earliest product development stages becomes a success key to minimize product design time and so, the product time to market . Due to some necessary ipothesis for the simulation, once the product has been physically realized, becomes important to close the loop simulation/real behaviour, comparing numerical results with experimental data to validate them and to grow with the simulations results quality. In this case study, will be exposed the preparation of a washing machine multibody dynamic model and relative analysis. In such a model, the dynamic behaviour of the oscillating group is very influenced by a correct characterization of masses, springs and dampers, and in particular by the dampers constraints parameters, which have been deeply investigated. Will be discussed the experimental values obtained with the physical product and their comparison with the numerical ones. Will be also shown further tests aimed at understanding the correspondence between constraints' angular stiffness and oscillating group behaviour.

Mr. Paolo Malatesta of Italy has been with Meccanica Generale since 1998. He started with product design and specialized in CAE simulations, today is the engineering and sales group manager working in FEM analisys, thermoplastic applications, metal replacement, cost, and weight reduction projects. Special focus to energy consumption reduction by thermoplastic use especially in technical parts with eco-design method. Thanks to the wide range of Meccanica Generale projects and relative moulds design and construction for lot of different markets, his group manage always different challanges in automotive, appliances and consumer products business and research always new technologies and innovative materials.

The practice of computer simulation at the design stage develops in direction of integrated engineering analysis system creation. It will allow significantly improve design quality and reduce time and costs by means of use of general standards, examined analysis processes, exclusion of mistakes concerned by data transfer and transformation, automation of routine operations, precise management of actions sequence and technical documentation that will allow promptly accept an optimal decision on the basis of reliable and actual information.

The present work is devoted to demonstration of some opportunities of the MSC SimManager, developed by the MSC.Software company within the framework of the SimEnterprise concept, on creation of engineering analysis environment for powerplant and turbofan elements characteristics evaluation.

The demonstration version of engineering data management system includes:
- Subsystem for turbofan powerplant (nacelle, nacelle+pylon+wing) configurations;
- Subsystem for turbofan (fan, compressor, turbine) modules.

These subsystems based on CAD and CAE applications (in-house and commercial) allow to execute all necessary sequence of actions, including mesh generation (UG+ICEM-CFD, Patran), strength analysis (Patran/MSC Nastran), aerodynamic calculation (in-house COBRA code), received data processing and output text documents automatic generation. All these actions are realized within the framework of specialized Web-portal, all data and results are stored in a unified database with an opportunity to audit each stage of the process and all database content.

The work was executed by CIAM under direction and with the help of OOO "MSC.Software RUS".

Vladimir Makarov was born in 1950 in Dagestan Republic (Russian Federation). In 1973 he graduated from the Aero-mechanical faculty of the Moscow Physical Technical Institute (MPTI). On 1984 Vladimir Makarov obtained a Ph.D (Physics and Mathematics). Now Vladimir Makarov is the Head of the Department "Gas Turbine Engine Simulation and Information Technologies Design Support" in Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) named by P.I. Baranov. The main directions of scientific activity of Vladimir Makarov are applied gas dynamics, numerical methods, Gas Turbine Engine (GTE) Simulation, CFD software development technologies, information technologies (IT). Vladimir Makarov is the author (or co-author) of 53 articles and 2 patents.