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We have a long, well-established history with major UK
bus builders Optare, having provided analysis consultancy to their
Leeds and Rotherham facilities. Over the last two years we have
been privileged to assist them in the development of the Solo and Tempo
vehicles (amongst other projects).
For both of these buses we provided full vehicle (detailed body and
chassis) analyses representative of the conditions they would see in
service. These analyses provided stress and deflection data for
the buses that would have cost orders of magnitude more to determine by
the physical testing of real vehicles (along with extended timescales
and the risk of redesign and re-test in the event of any unsatisfactory
results).
Our input to the design process took the vehicle models through a
number of iterations as various aspects of the design were changed to
accommodate new features and essential changes made as the design
progressed. The structural parameters of the designs could
swiftly be reassessed with the following changes:
- Roof mounted air-conditioning.
- Cantilever seats.
- The use and effect of bonded glazing.
- Modification of the main chassis members to
accommodate an extending passenger ramp.
- Changes in wheelbase, door configurations seating
layout.
- Modifications to the structure, following routine
development of the design.
After each change or group of changes, their effects on the structure
were easily identified from the analysis data we provided and, through
liaison with the engineering team at Optare the design modified and
re-analysed if necessary.
In keeping with Optare's forward thinking approach to both its designs
and manufacturing methods, this amalgamation of traditional design
route and virtual product development has provided a more efficient
method of quickly achieving a final design whilst minimising costly
prototype testing.
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