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http://support.mscsoftware.com/kb/results_kb.cfm?S_ID=1-KB9421

Institute of Technology

Technical Support Using CAD data with the FSAE and Mini-Baja ADAMS/Car
Templates.
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Solution#: 1-KB9421

Product Line:
MSC.ADAMS
Product Name(s): ADAMS/Car (11.0)
Platform:
Intel
Operating System:Windows NT 4.0, 2000 Intel

Question
Will I be able to import CAD solid models into ADAMS/Car in order to create
my FSAE or Mini-Baja suspension/vehicle model, or will I have to
repeat my solid modeling in ADAMS/Car?
Answer
First, let's differentiate between ADAMS and ADAMS/Car. ADAMS is a general mech
package. You can build planes, trains, cars, machines, even cockroaches. See www
for more information.
ADAMS/Car is our automotive-specific version of ADAMS. Rather than building mod
from scratch, the user works with pre-existing templates of things like suspension,
steering, and braking subsystems -- quickly modifying them and turning them
in to a complete suspension or vehicle assembly.
ADAMS has wonderful connectivity to solid modeling tools such as AutoCAD, Solid Ed
SolidWorks, CATIA, IDEAS, Pro/E, Unigraphics, etc. You can directly import
various file formats such as DXF, STEP, Parasolid, IGES, etc. in to ADAMS. It
is then a simple task to add joints to connect your parts, forces/motions to move yo
simulate, and finally plot mechanical data such as loads, displacements, velocities,
and accelerations.
CATIA, IDEAS, Pro/E, and UG all have versions of ADAMS which run inside the softw
AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop, Solid Edge, and SolidWorks have our "junior" product
called Dynamic Designer, available as a direct plug in for motion and dynamics
studies. Feel free to download a free 30 day trial version of Dynamic Designer
at www.designtechnologies.com
I must stress that both ADAMS and Dynamic Designer are very general tools for any
type of modeling; hence their great connectivity.
ADAMS/Car has a lesser degree of connectivity due to its specialized
internal structures for working with vehicle subsystem templates and events.
For example, ADAMS/Car runs specific analyses and produces specific plots -- for
example you can do an ISO double lane change and produce a yaw rate plot, or exa
camber change due to roll.
However, all you need to do to specify a double wishbone front suspension in ADAMS
is just input a few geometric hardpoints in to a table which define the topology
of the system, plus spring/damper rates, etc. -- ADAMS/Car then can draw the susp
for you!
Most users don't bother worrying about importing their specific CAD geometry in to
ADAMS/Car, unless it is at the very end of the process, in order to make nicer
looking avi files.
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Keywords: FSAE, ADAMS/Car, car, suspension, Mini-Baja, Baja, templates, CAD

See Also
1-39546371 How to Open FSAE Templates in ADAMS/Car
1-39555911 How to Open Mini Baja Templates in ADAMS/Car
1-KB9424 Required Information for FSAE and Mini-Baja ADAMS/Car Software.
1-KB9446 Installing ADAMS/Car Template Databases for FSAE and Mini-Baja.
Created on 09/26/01
Modified on 07/29/05
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10/24/2006 4:50 PM