Use of CAD Software in the Process of Virtual Prototyping of Machinery

This article presents a sample design and testing process of a virtual prototype of a suspension system of two types of three-wheeled vehicles using the Autodesk Inventor Professional software. The process was divided into two phases. During the first phase, two digital models of vehicles were created, which varied in their construction design. The second phase consisted of conducting a simulation of the models' behavior in the so called dynamic simulation environment of the Autodesk Inventor software. The created models were analysed in order to determine the forces at individual connection nodes of the suspension while driving on a curved section of a road. The obtained data in the form of force values over time and displacements at individual suspension nodes of the vehicles can be used to conduct a more detailed endurance analysis of individual construction elements. It was stated that this method allows for a more efficient process of creating a new product, reducing time required for the product to enter production phase and a more effective assessment of various product variants.