Lotus offers 'LSA' suspension software
UK automotive consultancy Lotus Engineering in Hethel, Norfolk, has decided to market its advanced 'LSA' (Lotus Suspension Analysis) software application outside Lotus Cars and its contract partners. The software will be licensed through sister company Lotus Engineering Software to suspension designers and analysts in organisations including OEMs, smaller performance engineering firms, and both professional and amateur motorsport teams
Common suspension layouts are pre-programmed into the 'LSA' software, while a user-definable template feature enables unique suspension configurations to be constructed. An optional module permits the addition of compliant bushes, the rate, position, and orientation of which can easily be modified to allow various effects, such as lateral force steer due to compliance, to be included in the analysis.
All significant suspension parameters are said to be included in the output, including camber and castor angles, toe, kingpin angle, spring and damper ratios, and brake steer. Results can be displayed either graphically or numerically over specified bump, rebound, roll and steer articulations. External forces can be applied to the suspension as well as suspension spring loads, anti-roll bar forces, and the influence of steering rack coupling and compliance. Calculations are updated instantaneously after each design change, with graphical result displays also updated simultaneously.
The company's US division, Lotus Engineering Inc, is based in Ann Arbor, MI.
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