In 1997 Dr. Schwer developed a DYNA3D/NIKE3D model of a hybrid powered natural gas and electric drive bus under a consulting agreement with Columbine Bus Company for the Denver Transit District. The bus modeling effort was similar to that for the 30 foot US Electricar passenger bus in that structural integrity of the new design was the objective of the modeling effort. An animated GIF shows the natural frequency response of the model at 10 Hz. The various colored solid block represent rigid and lumped masses, e.g. the natural gas tanks on the roof and the passenger seating.

Hybrid Bus - NIKE3D Frame Model 10 Hz response