Motion Base Simulators Offer New Dimension to Vehicle Dynamics

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Mechanical Simulation Corporation’s CarSim® has been chosen to generate the motion dynamics of one of the world’s most innovative driving simulators built by Simtec Simulation Technology GmbH. This new simulator now will give engineers the opportunity to feel their designs before they are built.

Mechanical Simulation is working closely with Simtec in the development of this new, interactive, six-direction motion platform simulator. The new simulator is located at the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) Institute for Transportation Systems. One of the world’s largest and most innovative driving simulators, this new system will assist with development and testing of new driver assistance systems.

“This new motion platform simulator is a major step forward in making driving simulator systems commercially available,” said Thomas D. Gillespie, Ph.D., Mechanical Simulation co-founder. “It allows users to install a complete vehicle into the simulator and test their products with a high degree of realism and repeatability.”

Simtec driving simulators, in combination with CarSim, are also available in many different configurations and sizes, from a compact playback system to this full vehicle system, according to Uwe Weihe, manager of sales and marketing at Simtec. The program has a wide range of applications, including driver training, evaluation of the human-machine interfaces and testing of vehicle compatibility with individual components and major sub-systems.

“We are pleased to be able to incorporate CarSim’s vehicle dynamics expertise into this simulator,” Weihe said. “CarSim offers the most realistic approach to simulation, along with many variations of sophisticated simulation technology.”

Established in 1989 and based at in Braunschweig Research Airport, Germany, Simtec is a worldwide provider of motion simulation technology for the automotive, aerospace and entertainment industries.

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 40 OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, and more than 50 universities and government research groups worldwide. For more information, visit www.carsim.com.