Mechanical Simulation Now Offers Real-Time Versions of TruckSim and BikeSim for dSPACE

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Mechanical Simulation Corporation has introduced TruckSim® RT 6.04 and BikeSim® RT 1.03 simulation software for Real Time (RT) applications with dSPACE hardware.

“TruckSim RT gives the control engineer the ability to do real time development and to calibrate the vehicle, and the testing engineer real time testing capability,” explained Jin Hu, senior development and consulting engineer with Mechanical Simulation.

TruckSim is software for simulating the dynamic vehicle behavior of heavy-duty vehicles with dual wheels, asymmetric steering systems, multiple axles and single or multiple trailers. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers consistently report close agreement between TruckSim simulation predictions and actual on-road test results.

BikeSim is vehicle dynamics software that analyzes a wide range of motorcycle or scooter responses to such rider inputs as control, steering, lean, braking and throttle, taking into account tire dynamics and suspension behavior. The system also incorporates such environmental factors as aerodynamics, road geometry and friction for a variety of simulations.

According to Hu, TruckSim and BikeSim models run on most computers faster than real time, meaning a simulation of a 30-second test is completed in less than 30 seconds. The models support the dSPACE interface, among others, as hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation. During RT operation, the software will obtain the necessary calculations from the vehicle model and then wait for the clock to catch up. Precise timing is needed to communicate with electronic controllers, and is provided by the dSPACE system. Live plotting, animation and analysis options are available during testing with TruckSim or BikeSim RT, and all of the post-processing animation and plotting capabilities of TruckSim or BikeSim can be applied to examine and compare test results in detail.

dSPACE is a producer of solutions for development and testing of fast mechatronic control systems for the automotive, aerospace and industrial automation industries. Established in 1988 in Paderborn, Germany, the company’s North American subsidiary in Novi, Mich., provides technical support, consulting and comprehensive training.

TruckSim RT 6.04 and BikeSim RT 1.03 are available by contacting Mechanical Simulation Corporation at 1.734.668.2930 or www.carsim.com.

Mechanical Simulation Corporation is a technology leader in the development and distribution of advanced software used to simulate vehicle performance under a wide variety of conditions. The company was established in 1996, and from its Ann Arbor, Mich., headquarters provides car and truck simulation packages, training and ongoing support to more than 50 OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and over 60 universities and government research groups worldwide. For more information, visit www.carsim.com.