Vehicle Engineering and Design
The Vehicle Engineering & Design team has developed, through the successful delivery of a wide and varied number of technical programmes, a proven expertise in chassis and powertrain systems including:-
- Suspension
- Cooling & Heat Shielding
- Induction
- Exhaust & After-treatment
- Fuel
- Chassis Frames & Mounting
- Brakes
- Steering
- Accoustic Trim
Extensive use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) coupled, where appropriate, with the analysis and simulation tools available within Ricardo, maximise efficiency and delivers early resolution to design issues.
Ricardo deploy all the mainstream CAD systems including:-
- CATIA
- Unigraphics
- IDEAS
- ProEngineer
- CADDS
- Autocad
Whether resolving a single technical issues or a complete vehicle programme, the Vehicle Engineering & Design team has the support of a strong programme management and robust support tools:-
- Programme planning
- Gateway/Milestone reviews
- Commodity planning
- Test & validation planning
- Engineering sign off
- Bill of material (BOM)
- Engineering Change Management (ECM)
- Parts Quality (APQP, PPAP)
- Risk analysis (FMEA, DFA, DoE)
Our expertise is not limited to the CAD or computer screen, it is recognised that components, systems and vehicles need to be manufactured, validated and ultimately proven for production.
Workshop & Fabrication Facilities
Aside from the preparation and maintenance of vehicles and systems for testing, the Ricardo workshops can be utilised for the manufacture of prototype and pre-production parts, assemblies and vehicles. The facility also provides the environment for the development of assembly process, jigs and fixtures away from the pressures and distractions of the client production facilities.
Launch Support
When vehicle assembly is transferred to the production facility, Ricardo Launch Engineers can be on site throughout the pre-series build process to ensure:-
- Parts management
- Manufacturing interface
- Project liaison
- Complexity management
- Issue capture and resolution
- Test & Validation
Vehicle and system testing is conducted through the utilisation of one of a number of internationally recognised, independent testing establishments. This strategy ensures the most cost effective, efficient testing route, with tests being conducted to either Ricardo or the clients' standards. Clients who own testing facilities can also be utilised where required.