BeamNG.cad — SolidWorks to Simulation

Problem

Our Baja SAE team needs a rapid way to set up simulations as vehicle designs evolve. Frequent member turnover makes specialist knowledge difficult to retain, and training each new generation of students to maintain a BeamNG mod requires significant knowledge transfer. Relying on always having a BeamNG modding expert makes simulation harder to sustain across team changes.

Solution

I developed Python and Blender tooling to turn a SolidWorks frame model into a BeamNG simulation structure, connect the visible frame geometry to simulation nodes, and package the result as a mod. Automating these specialist steps is intended to shorten setup time and make the workflow easier for incoming team members to repeat. The frame is now in BeamNG; beam strength optimization and calibration are ongoing.

Completed

• Hull generation from the CAD-derived frame geometry.
• JBeam outer shell and internal structure generation.
• Mesh transform and material preparation for BeamNG.
• Automatic association of visible frame meshes with simulation nodes.
• Standalone mod packaging, with the frame now imported into BeamNG.

Current Work

I’m optimizing beam strength and calibrating stiffness, damping, and deformation behavior. Initial material tuning scripts are implemented, and their outputs are part of this ongoing calibration work.