XPD can facilitate a range of activities for evaluation of vehicle and vehicle subsystem performance, using bespoke and industry standard tools/techniques. Full vehicle analysis and virtual testing can be undertaken at a range of levels for the purpose of improved vehicle understanding and appreciation for both engineers and drivers.
Please use the links below to see how these different disciplines can be implemented for the benefit of both engineering and driving activities and ultimately on-track performance.
Lap Simulation allows engineers to efficiently evaluate vehicle performance and setup without the inconvenience of physical testing. Aerodynamic packages, gearing, suspension setups and more can be evaluated before any track activity takes place, providing the opportunity to start an event with the best possible configuration.
Like any engineering analysis lap simulation must be undertaken with knowledge of the most appropriate methodologies and the inherent limitations of the tools used. XPD can undertake lap simulation studies with that knowledge & experience using a customer’s choice of software, or can provide fully featured, flexible lap simulation software developed in-house for the purpose;
XPD LapSIM:
‘X-PD LapSIM’ is a vehicle simulation toolbox comprising a suite of software components which can be used for the detailed analysis of vehicle performance over a defined vehicle path. Utilising a comprehensive, non-linear multi-body vehicle model described by over 200 parameters & characteristic arrays it can be used to simulate and subsequently characterize a road or competition vehicles performance over a defined path in the virtual test environment.
For more information check out the X-PD LapSIM page.
Benefits of Lap Simulation
Analyse new vehicle designs before expensive prototyping and physical testing is required
Evaluate suspension setup changes beforehand to utilise actual track testing time effectively
Establish optimum aerodynamic configurations in advance of track validation activities
Test the effect of gearbox setup on overall performance and test potential driveability concerns
Analyse tyre characteristic & performance in a controlled fashion with reference to actual track data
Compare alternative drivetrain/power profiles to establish lap-time performance impact and top speeds
Review effects of environmental variables on the overall performance, top speeds, gear ratios & best setup
Predict performance at new circuits before actually visiting to allow a good initial setup, optimising track time
DIL Simulation allows drivers to participate in virtual vehicle testing in order to evaluate vehicle performance and setup without the inconvenience or inherent costs associated with physical testing. Aerodynamic configurations, gearing, suspension setups and more can be evaluated by the driver before any track activity takes place, providing the opportunity to start an event with the best possible advantage.
From a drivers (and the engineers) perspective the fully immersive simulator environment converts the engineers work into a tangible form which can be subjectively assessed in a real-time, realistic yet still inexpensive and risk free virtual environment.
Alongside these engineering advantages are the added benefits of track learning and practice prior to an event, with driver coaching and skills development possible, something particularly important for the amateur and up-and-coming drivers.
XPD has worked with various DIL simulation platform suppliers and dedicated facilities and can help to advise and support both teams and drivers in the use and/or in-house development of these powerful performance enhancing tools.
Benefits of DIL Simulation
Test vehicle setups/configurations and design changes before implementing in the real world environment.
Gain driver feedback on dynamic and transient effects that are difficult to identify in desktop simulation.
Allow drivers the time to familiarise themselves with vehicle and circuit specifics before actual testing
Perform 'real' testing within a completely controlled environment with strictly defined conditions.
Validate desktop simulations with an empirical process and direct driver feedback to the engineers.
Provide drivers with controlled testing/personal development, in a risk free and inexpensive environment.
X-PD can support a full range of vehicle testing processes to take the virtual and design elements to the prototype and production phase. In the case of the existing vehicle X-PD can also assist with the process of evaluating and characterising a vehicle in a range of different ways;
- Kinematics and Complience Testing – Test your vehicles ‘real’ suspension & chassis characteristics
- Shaker Rig Testing – Test your vehicles dynamic characteristics, suspension setups and tyres
- Track Testing – Validate your findings, relate them to driver feedback and on-track measurements
In all cases and in the real world application environment X-PD can facilitate the integration of advanced data acquisition and control system hardware to both assist in the analysis and optimisation process and also to provide solutions for vehicle functional requirements.
This hardware integration and development can be supplemented by a supporting modelling & simulations programme that can equally utilise a HIL & DIL element to aid the transition and further integrate the design & development activities.
Benefits of Vehicle Test & Measurement
Accurately characterise and evaluate the 'real' vehicle to validate simulation and support the design process.
Allow adequate consideration to actual vehicle dynamic & subtle transient behavior that is accurately quantified.
Introduce and integrate the driver in his native environment to the simulation and analysis processs.
Collect data to re-use at all levels of the simulation process to further validate and anayse alternative solutions.
