A killer app from a car company... who knew?  The folks at the Changan US R&D Center not only knew, they developed such an app.

ATV Compass Development Team: Marc Klinger, Allen Szemak, Craig Sutton, Randy Vrsek, Sam McDonald, Ruben Jasso, Dennis Weinrauch

(Not pictured:  Bill Smith, Wonjoon Bang, Mike James)

MSC Software, maker of simulation software adaptable to a variety of industrial uses, recently recognized a team of technical professionals at the US location of China's Changan Automobile.  They developed a mobile app that produces vehicle dynamics metrics used to characterize ride, handling, and steering behavior based on a range of user-selectable suspension parameters.  Using MSC's ADAMS (Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems) application, the Changan US R&D-designed, Android-based app uses multiple ADAMS-generated response surface results from the range of user-selectable suspension parameters that predict vehicle behavior.  Called Changan ATV Compass, the app was entered into MSC Software's "Simulating Reality" contest where it was judged to be one of the top ten submissions.

This useful app brings mobility and convenience to vehicle dynamics training.  Allen Szemak, manager of Chassis Performance, called ATV Compass "a vehicle dynamics evaluator training app which is ultra-portable and flexible, yet a comprehensive tool when used in conjunction with Changan R&D's adjustable test vehicle (ATV)."  In addition to classroom work, the app reinforces vehicle dynamics training by allowing the student to select a specific area of suspension parameter to investigate during driving exercises held at proving grounds. 

ADAMS software enables the user to simulate modifications to geometry hardpoints in the suspension to predict the resultant vehicle behavior.  Geometry hardpoints are suspension, steering, and body coordinates used to define basic vehicle architecture and chassis characteristics.  In case of the Changan US R&D ATV, the app allows hardpoint adjustment of control arms, struts, wheel centers, tie rods, toe links, and camber links.  Video tutorials within the app demonstrate how to position these components within a range of adjustment.  Once suspension parameters are evaluated virtually, the user chooses modifications to make on the actual vehicle.  Vehicle dynamics training is further enhanced by coaching the student on which factors the human body will be most sensitive to for a given suspension parameter change.

In the contest submission video, rear camber adjustment is explored.  An in-app video tutorial shows senior technician Dennis Weinrauch demonstrating how to move the camber link inner pivot and explaining the steps involved.  To get values associated with vehicle behavior, the app user identifies the starting hardpoints and selects the variables to be adjusted.  Results appear in a matrix alongside animations describing the predicted vehicle behaviors.

The ATV Compass app development team included people from both the Suspension & Steering and Chassis Performance departments who are pleased to be recognized for their efforts.  Senior vehicle dynamics CAE engineer Sam McDonald led the app's development.  He had been thinking about how smartphones and tablets can support the vehicle development process.  "The key to getting things done easier using these devices lies in getting the process and data easily entered and accessible for the people who do these things," McDonald said from his workspace at the Changan US R&D Center in Plymouth, Michigan. "It can take some time to find the best ways, and the ATV Compass was our first step down this path.  It's been fun working with the team, and I hope we continue to find more opportunities like this."

Chances are very good that more such opportunities will materialize as team members continuously strive to innovate.

19 August 2016