Mechanical Simulation Corporation Introduces Latest Vehicle Dynamic Solution Software

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Featuring hundreds of new software features, CarSim® 7, Mechanical Simulation Corporation’s latest vehicle dynamics and performance testing software, extends the current state of vehicle simulation technology.

Engineers in design, development, testing and planning activities use CarSim for simulating the dynamic vehicle behavior of cars, light trucks and utility vehicles during braking, handling, accelerating, rollover and other tests. CarSim animates simulated tests and generates over 600 output variables that can be plotted and analyzed by engineers using the same automated methods applied for physical test data. The CarSim math models cover the complete vehicle system and its inputs from the driver, ground and aerodynamics. Introduced to the commercial market in 1996, CarSim is built on more than three decades of research and validation at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).

“We’re excited about the many new features we’re offering on this version of CarSim,” said Thomas D. Gillespie, Ph.D., Mechanical Simulation co-founder. “We’ve made substantial improvement to the architecture of the simulation environment, resulting in an expanded capability for customizing and extending the models.”

CarSim 7 incorporates upgrades in several general areas:

Math models: CarSim 7 utilizes VehicleSim®, a new Mechanical Simulation technology that supports customizing and extending math models while maintaining ease of use and high efficiency. As with previous versions, parameters can be specified with a wide range of variables. The new VehicleSim command language allows users to change some of the existing equations, add new output variables, add new equations and change the units associated with parameters and output variables, all while maintaining the high computational performance for which CarSim is known. Further, the integration with other software has been extended to provide almost unlimited control options. A standard application program interface (API) can be used with any Windows simulation environment, as well as in real-time (RT) applications.

Besides the new simulation architecture, CarSim 7 also features more detailed vehicle modeling, which extends the range of simulation conditions for extreme steering and 3D ground geometry. Dozens of new test examples and roads have been added, including race tracks and proving grounds.

Simulation Graphical User Interface (SGUI): CarSim 7 offers an easier-to-use SGUI for new users to navigate the database, as well as a wide variety of options for more advanced users to work with external software. The SGUI uses point and click controls to change model parameters, equations and optional links to other software such as Simulink. Existing screens have been revised and new screens have been added in order to support the many new model options

Animator: The animator program has been upgraded to include audio and to handle multiple live animations, for more efficient use in driving simulators and Real-Time applications. In addition, the animator can generate AVI and other Windows-standard multimedia files for use in PowerPoint presentations.

Documentation: The existing documentation for CarSim has been greatly extended to cover the new VehicleSim technology, and to provide built-in Help documents for the hundreds of import and output variables in text and Excel formats.

CarSim 7 is available by contacting Mechanical Simulation Corporation at 1.734.668.2930 or www.carsim.com. In addition, CarSim 7 will be demonstrated in the 2007 SAE World Congress’ Presentation Pod (in Wayne Hall of Cobo Center, Detroit) at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 17. CarSim 7 will also be available for review at the Mechanical Simulation exhibit (booth #2021) during the World Congress.

Mechanical Simulation Corporation is a technology leader in the development and distribution of advanced software used throughout the automotive industry to simulate vehicle performance under a wide variety of conditions. Established in 1996, its Ann Arbor, Mich., headquarters provides car, truck and motorcycle simulation packages, training and ongoing support to more than 20 OEMs, over 30 Tier 1 suppliers and more than 60 universities and government research groups worldwide. For more information, visit www.carsim.com.