CarSim Sources of Data

Your main interface to CarSim is the simulation graphical user interface (SGUI), which contains an extensive database of vehicle and component properties that are displayed in a graphical content in about 160 screens. The virtual vehicle is assembled from datasets, similar in concept to the way a physical vehicle is assembled from parts and subsystems. CarSim is provided with example datasets that cover over 15 representative vehicles, ranging from an A-class hatchback, to an F-class, sedan, along with SUVs, pickups, and an F3 racecar.

However, none of the examples provided with CarSim represent specific existing vehicles. They are intended to provide starting points for running simulated tests, with the idea that you will replace datasets for components as the information becomes available. If you work for an OEM, you will probably obtain the data from your company database, built from a combination of design data and measured properties. If you work for a supplier to an OEM, you might obtain the data from your OEM customer.

CarSim includes a document "CarSim Data Manual," written by T.D. Gillespie with guidelines and rules of thumb for estimating data values when details for a specific vehicle or tire are not available.

In addition, there are some privately owned companies that can measure vehicles for you at a reasonable cost. Below are companies that are familiar with the data necessary for our simulations, and they can provide you with information about measuring your vehicle.

Anthony Best Dynamics

www.abd.uk.com

AB Dynamics, located in the UK, supplies machines to measure the kinematics and compliance properties of suspensions that are essential to understanding vehicle ride and handling. The machines measure the kinematic characteristics due to suspension and steering system geometries, and compliances due to suspension springs, anti-roll bars, elastomeric bushings and component deflections. A translation program is available to generate parsfiles for direct import into CarSim.

MorseMeasurements, LLC

www.morsemeasurements.com

MorseMeasurements, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers suspension K&C measurement services using an ABDynamics Suspension Parameter Measurement Machine (SPMM). They can provide you with suspension kinematic data in a CarSim friendly format.

SEA, Ltd.

http://www.sealimited.com/services.aspx?service=dyna

SEA, Ltd., located in Columbus, Ohio, provides services for measurement of a vehicle's mass and inertia properties for use in CarSim.

Smithers Scientific Services, Inc.

www.smithersscientific.com/

Smithers Scientific Services, located in Akron, Ohio, provides tire testing services used by leading tire and vehicle manufacturers to enhance design and maximize performance. Smithers performs a complete range of tests and evaluations including tire force and moment, environmental response, life-cycle fatigue, stiffness, and footprint behavior. Smithers are CarSim users and can get you the tire data you need for your simulations.

Calspan

www.calspan.com/tire.htm

The Calspan Corporation, located in Buffalo, New York, offers services for measurement of tire force and moment properties on a flat-belt tire test machine.

UMTRI

www.umtri.umich.edu/news.php

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers services specializing in measurement of heavy duty truck properties. The capabilities include measurement of inertial properties and K&C tests of heavy truck suspensions.