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Rapid Development of a Robust, Life-saving Defence Vehicle Module
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
- Robots - Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGV)
Applicable Industries
- Automotive
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Time Sensitive Networking
- Vehicle Performance Monitoring
Services
- System Integration
- Testing & Certification
The Challenge
Integrated Design and Engineering Solutions (IDES), a Melbourne-based engineering product development and systems integration company, was tasked with a challenging assignment by the Australian Defence Organization (ADO). The project, known as LAND 121 Phase 3A, involved the procurement of around 2,200 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon light trucks for the Australian Army. One of the variants of these vehicles was intended to be used as a surveillance and reconnaissance (S&R) vehicle. The IDES team was required to design a module for this vehicle that would provide adequate protection for the rear observer in the event of a vehicle rollover. The team decided to build a vehicle rollover protection structure (ROPS) in the form of a tubular roll cage structure. However, the traditional method of developing such a structure, which involves iterative physical testing, was deemed too time, effort, and cost-intensive for the project's tight timeline.
About The Customer
The primary customer for this project was the Australian Defence Organization (ADO), which includes celebrated names such as the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), Defence Science and Technology Group, Land Engineering Agency, Battlespace Communications and Operations Group, and the Joint Proof and Experimental Unit. The ADO is responsible for the procurement of defence equipment and services for the Australian Defence Force. In this case, the ADO had procured around 2,200 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon light trucks for the Australian Army, and IDES was tasked with designing, building, and fitting all mission modules for these vehicles.
The Solution
To overcome the challenge of developing a robust ROPS within the project's tight timeline, the IDES team decided to leverage Altair HyperWorks, a computer-aided engineering (CAE) software suite that they had been using for many years. The team began by creating a finite element model of the pendulum test rig, base vehicle chassis, and S&R module using Altair HyperMesh. They then simulated the physical testing process using Altair Radioss and processed the results in Altair HyperView. This approach allowed the team to optimize the product structures and minimize the need for physical prototyping and testing required for product verification and validation. By using HyperWorks, the IDES team was able to quickly, efficiently, and accurately develop an optimum design for the ROPS.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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