We were honored to have Paul Lucas from Daimler Truck NA present at the 2026 SIMULIA Americas Users Conference in Novi, Michigan, May 13-14, 2026.

Abstract: 

Modern durability workflows rely heavily on multibody simulation (MBS) to generate load time histories; however, the scale and variability of these datasets present a significant challenge for interpretation, reduction, and reuse. MOBI-LAB (Multibody Operational Behavior & Integration Lab) addresses this gap by establishing a structured, data-driven framework that transforms raw multibody simulation outputs into actionable load intelligence.

At its foundation, MOBI-LAB integrates multibody-generated load histories across multiple vehicle configurations, duty cycles, and operating conditions into a unified database. Rather than treating each simulation as an isolated result, the framework organizes loads by subsystem, channel, and configuration, enabling direct comparison across a fleet of vehicles. This multibody-centric approach preserves the physical fidelity of system-level dynamics while creating a consistent structure for downstream analysis.
Advanced signal processing and feature extraction techniques are applied to the MBS outputs, including time-domain statistics, frequency-domain representations, and fatigue-relevant metrics derived from load histories. These features are then used in dimensionality reduction and clustering workflows (e.g., PCA and k-means) to identify dominant load behaviors, group similar operating conditions, and quantify variability across the dataset.

The result is a scalable methodology for reducing thousands of multibody simulations into a manageable set of representative load cases. These cases can be propagated to finite element and fatigue analyses, enabling more efficient and statistically grounded durability assessments. Additionally, the framework supports the integration of machine learning models to predict load characteristics based on vehicle configuration, further enhancing early-stage design capability.

MOBI-LAB demonstrates how multibody simulation can evolve from a load generation tool into a central pillar of a data-driven durability ecosystem, enabling faster decision-making, improved correlation across programs, and a systematic approach to load case development in modern CAE workflows.

Presenter: 

Paul Lucas Technical Fellow - Daimler Truck NA Paul is a Technical Fellow for Loads and Dynamics at Daimler Trucks North America, with 15 years of experience in advanced CAE, specializing in finite element analysis (FEA) and multibody dynamics (MBS). He provides technical leadership in durability, vibration, and dynamic load analysis, supporting the development and validation of commercial vehicle platforms. In his current role, Paul leads the MOBI-LAB (Multibody Operational Behavior & Integration Lab) initiative, which integrates machine learning and statistical methods into traditional loads-and-dynamics workflows. His efforts focus on modernizing how vehicle loads are characterized, compared, and cascaded across subsystems, and on positioning multibody simulation as a central driver of durability and vibration assessments. Paul has contributed extensively to BEV commercial vehicle development programs, collaborating closely with test and shaker teams to generate multibody-based load inputs for durability and vibration evaluation. His background spans full-vehicle modeling, subsystem load transfer, and the development of scalable analysis methodologies that bridge simulation and test. Paul is also a strong advocate for knowledge sharing and technical mentorship, with a focus on advancing Daimler Trucks’ multibody simulation capabilities and preparing the organization for the next generation of data-driven simulation and virtual validation.