Abstract: A method for generating an optimized body structure is provided. A first topology optimization of a first body configuration is performed to generate a second body configuration. A subset of critical body components are identified based on load path values for the second body component and are parameterized. A second optimization is performed. The second optimization includes a low fidelity optimization for the geometry, the gauge and the grade of the critical body components, and a high fidelity optimization for the mass of each of the critical body components to generate an optimized set of critical body components. The optimized set of critical body components are combined with non-critical body components from the second body configuration to generate a final body configuration which is optimized for performance and weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a 3-D image file. In a preferred embodiment, the 3-D image file is produced using a source including a set of graphics instructions. The source data is produced, for example, by translating a data set into graphics instructions by a translation application. The graphics instructions are then converted into movie file commands by a graphics converter. In a preferred embodiment, the graphics instructions are converted by a set of procedures which contain storage and display information for each of the graphics instructions. Each command corresponds to a specific graphics instructions, and contains information for instructing a display software application to display a characteristic of a 3-D image. The commands are then recorded in the output 3-D image file.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for simulating the interaction of a simulated vehicle with one or more simulated road surfaces. A computer modelling program is used to create a computer-based road surface model and a computer-based vehicle model. The computer-based vehicle model may include a body model, a chassis model, a suspension model, a wheel model and a tire model. A computer simulation engine program is operative with the computer-based road surface and vehicle models to selectively simulate the interaction therebetween and provide simulation data relative thereto. The simulation data may be used to identify high stress areas or low durability areas of the vehicle or to compute vehicle suspension parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for simulating the interaction of a simulated vehicle with one or more simulated road surfaces. A computer modelling program is used to create a computer-based road surface model and a computer-based vehicle model. The computer-based vehicle model may include a body model, a chassis model, a suspension model, a wheel model and a tire model. A computer simulation engine program is operative with the computer-based road surface and vehicle models to selectively simulate the interaction therebetween and provide simulation data relative thereto. The simulation data may be used to identify high stress areas or low durability areas of the vehicle or to compute vehicle suspension parameters.