Mechanical Dynamics Extends Its Functional Digital Car(TM) Solution With Release of ADAMS(R)/Driveline

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 8 Mechanical Dynamics, Inc.
, a worldwide provider of software and services for the
functional virtual prototyping market, has extended the scope of its
Functional Digital Car(TM) solution with the introduction of
ADAMS(R)/Driveline, a specialized simulation environment for predicting the
operating performance of driveline systems before they are built in hardware.
    "The release of ADAMS/Driveline is an important step in fulfilling our
vision of the complete Functional Digital Car," said Robert R. Ryan, president
of Mechanical Dynamics.  "With this module in place, our simulation solutions
now cover every major component of vehicle development -- chassis, engine,
driveline, and body -- as well as performance attributes such as vibration and
durability.  We strongly believe that our functional virtual prototyping
technology will drive the improvements all vehicle manufacturers are striving
to meet -- shorter development cycles, enhanced performance, innovation,
managed risk, and lower costs."
    ADAMS/Driveline allows users to model and simulate the behavior of
driveline systems, including differentials, prop shafts, transfer cases, and
gearboxes, and then explore the interaction between the driveline and chassis
components such as suspensions, steering systems, brakes, and the vehicle
body.  The software provides highly detailed modeling templates, a
comprehensive set of standard experiments, and a powerful performance
assessment environment.
    Leading automotive suppliers Visteon Corporation , American Axle
& Manufacturing , and Eaton Corporation were key
partners in the development of ADAMS/Driveline.  Visteon's engineers have been
working with the pre-release version of ADAMS/Driveline since the summer of
2000.
    "Our development partners provided critical insight into what is needed
for effective, accurate driveline design and simulation," Ryan said.  "This
software will allow users to design, test, and optimize driveline system
designs faster than ever before, with higher fidelity and less risk, and
integrate their models more closely throughout the supply chain.
Incorporating these realistic driveline models into full-vehicle simulations
streamlines the development process and results in high-quality products."
    The new Driveline module is a central product within Mechanical Dynamics'
market-leading solution, the Functional Digital Car(TM).  The Functional
Digital Car is a virtual prototype of a complete vehicle, combining accurate
mathematical model representations of chassis subsystems, engine and driveline
subsystems, and body to create a full virtual vehicle.  Vehicle performance
can then be simulated in a virtual test lab environment or on a virtual test
track to replicate real-world behavior.  The vehicle can also be integrated
with hardware-in-the-loop simulations to investigate the real-time behavior of
the vehicle with real subsystems such as anti-lock brakes and traction control
systems.  Design attributes can be evaluated and optimized, and the results
shared among engineering teams globally.
    ADAMS/Driveline is part of the second phase of the ADAMS(R) Version 11.0
release, which adds a new accessory drive module to ADAMS(R)/Engine and a new
FTire module to ADAMS(R)/Tire.  FTire is a new high-fidelity tire modeling
capability for durability and ride comfort applications.
    Mechanical Dynamics pioneered the field of mechanical system simulation
with its market-leading ADAMS(R) software.  Engineering teams use ADAMS to
build and test functional virtual prototypes of their complex mechanical
system designs.  Mechanical Dynamics offers extensive implementation services,
including consulting and training.  In this way, the company partners with its
customers to help reduce the time, costs, and risks of the product development
process and meet the "Smarter to Market(TM)" challenge.
    Additional information about Mechanical Dynamics can be obtained by
writing to the company at 2300 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
Phone: 734-994-3800.  Fax: 734-994-6418.  E-mail: info@adams.com .  Online:
http://www.adams.com .
    ADAMS and the Mechanical Dynamics logo are registered trademarks of
Mechanical Dynamics, Inc.  All other company, brand, or product names are or
may be trademarks of their respective holders.

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