SuspensionSim is intended for use by two levels of users. Model Users are engineers and designers who will be working with an existing suspension model. A few datasets from the example are copied such that some of the numerical values of parameters for that model can be modified. The new version of the original suspension model is called a variant in SuspensionSim documentation. The variant has the same parameters and output variables, but the numerical values assigned to the parameters may be different. The Model User will usually not modify the reusable template datasets.
SuspensionSim includes example datasets that define distinct parametric suspension models. Each example suspension includes some datasets that assemble a parametric multibody model and other datasets that specify numerical values for the parameters in that model. The datasets that assemble the model and define parameters act as reusable templates.
The other level of user is the Model Builder. A Model Builder is a more advanced user who can assemble a new multibody model to simulate a type of suspension that is not already available. The Model Builder can assemble new suspension models from existing reusable datasets, and design new datasets as needed.
SuspensionSim simulates quasi-static Kinematics and Compliance (K&C) tests applied to suspension systems.
SuspensionSim differs in several ways from the vehicle simulation products BikeSim, CarSim, and TruckSim. Rather than using predefined parametric programs with specific multibody models, SuspensionSim uses a multibody solver program that builds models based on user datasets.