The framework of a modular vehicle dynamics simulator

Abstract

The importance of vehicle simulators in the automotive and motorsport industry is ever increasing. Designed to mimic the real life physical system it is meant to model, vehicle simulators can aid engineers in making the best design choices prior to any manufacturing. This project aims to build a modular vehicle simulator capable of containing all the necessary components which influence the handling of the vehicle, with the major components implemented fully and others as placeholders. It will aid in the development of a Formula Student race car and serve as a test bench for different design parameters. The project is built using the Simulink (R) environment uses a 6-degree of freedom platform (normally used to model aircraft) to ensure maximum flexibility. The project includes detailed suspension and tyre models which apply forces to the platform so that the longitudinal and turning dynamics can be investigated. Basic engine and aerodynamic placeholder modules are also implemented so as to be able to get meaningful results which can be compared with those obtained from an instrumented Formula Student race car.