"Virtual Grand Prix" Hosted By The University of Windsor

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Oct. 22, 2007 – It may not compare with a day at the track watching famous grand prix drivers, but the “virtual grand prix” staged by the University of Windsor (Ontario, Canada) offered a different level of excitement for students in a vehicle dynamics class at the university. The entire race was developed using simulations from Mechanical Simulation Corporation’s CarSim®.

“Students could really get the feel for how their ‘vehicles’ would perform in racing situations,” explained Bruce Minaker, Ph.D., P. Eng., class professor. “Not only did it give them the excitement of a racing environment, but a much better understanding of vehicle dynamics and particularly how CarSim can be incorporated into vehicle design.”

CarSim is Mechanical Simulation’s software package for simulating the dynamic vehicle behavior of cars, light trucks and utility vehicles. CarSim animates simulated tests and generates about 600 output variables that can be plotted and analyzed. The CarSim math models cover the complete vehicle system and its inputs from the driver, ground and aerodynamics.

As part of Dr. Minaker’s vehicle dynamics class, students were required to complete the “Formula 463,” in which student teams (of two) designed a virtual race car, and then competed against their classmates. The students developed the driver model for the simulation in class.

“Working with a MATLAB program and CarSim, students could choose suspension geometry and spring and damping rates, and analyze their design,” Dr. Minaker said. “Students used numerous plots to solve kinematics, and chose their transmission and final drive ratios for the engine.” Once the designs were finalized the team’s CarSim input file was created. Simulations were run for the 40 team “cars” in the race, with the results posted on the course Web site.

“We ran two sessions for the competition – a practice run and the race,” said Dr. Minaker. “Students were very eager to see how their teams placed, of course. But they were also just as curious to learn how their various inputs impacted the results.”

According to Dr. Minaker, students learned a great deal about vehicle dynamics from the exercise, which has become a part of their regular course schedule each semester. “Many of these students also participate in the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) Formula SAE and Baja events, so they were very interested in doing the class work as well,” he said. “And this event offered practical experience working on sophisticated systems that they’ll use in their careers.”

About Mechanical Simulation: 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 120 universities and government research groups worldwide. For more information, visit www.carsim.com..