Motorsport engineering is a highly competitive field that requires a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics and performance. As a motorsport engineer, you need to be able to fine-tune every aspect of your vehicle to gain a competitive edge on the track. This is where ChassisSim comes in – a powerful tool that allows you to simulate and optimise your vehicle’s performance in a virtual environment. But mastering it is no easy feat. It requires a deep understanding of the software alongside a strong foundation in vehicle dynamics and engineering principles. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of ChassisSim and hopefully encourage you to become a master of this powerful software.
Introduction To ChassisSim
ChassisSim is a multi-body vehicle dynamics engine that utilises race data and transient simulation to provide engineers with the tools they need to optimise their race car’s performance. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, ChassisSim has proven to be an invaluable asset for diverse teams competing in prestigious events such as the 24 hours of Le Mans, Daytona, the 12 hours of Sebring, Bathurst, and World Time Attack.
For motorsport engineers, ChassisSim presents a multitude of advantages. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the car’s performance, enabling engineers to make informed decisions based on data to optimise the car’s setup. Furthermore, it reduces the costs and time typically associated with track testing and improves confidence in decision-making during race weekends.
Getting Started With ChassisSim
To begin using ChassisSim, engineers need to install the software on their computers. Installation instructions and download links are typically provided upon enrollment in a ChassisSim course or purchasing a license. It is advisable to check if your computer meets the software’s system requirements for optimal performance.
Once installed, users can familiarise themselves with the interface. The software is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive menus and toolbars for easy navigation. Take the time to explore the various features and options available, as this will help streamline the simulation process in the future.
ChassisSim Modelling
To fully utilise the software, it is imperative to construct accurate vehicle models with great precision. These models serve as the cornerstone of the simulation process, forming the basis for predicting performance. In generating a car model, engineers must enter parameters such as mass properties, suspension geometry, aerodynamic properties, tire characteristics, and powertrain data. The introduction of accurate data input is vital to certify that the simulations produced by ChassisSim mirror real-world performance as closely as possible.
Besides car models, engineers create track models for their simulations. Track models consist of data such as track layout, surface properties, and elevation changes. ChassisSim can generate track models using GPS data and track maps.
Lap-Time Simulation Techniques
A lap-time simulation is a powerful tool that allows engineers to predict the performance of their race car on any given track. ChassisSim uses transient simulation to generate lap-time predictions, minding factors such as tire wear, fuel consumption, and aerodynamic changes throughout the lap.
Using ChassisSim’s lap-time simulation capabilities, engineers can test and optimise many setups for their race cars. This process involves adjusting parameters such as ride heights, gear ratios, and suspension settings to find the optimal configuration for a specific track. Thus, engineers can make data-driven decisions without costly track testing when testing different setups.
Setup Rebalancing
Rebalancing the aero and mechanical balance is essential to optimise performance. In the context of ChassisSim, this process involves adjusting car model parameters to ensure that the simulated car behaves as closely as possible to the real-world vehicle. Engineers will need to analyse the data generated by the software and make appropriate adjustments to achieve this goal.
The setup rebalancing process executes in both simulation and trackside settings. When working in the simulation environment, ChassisSim is employed to modify the car model and analyse its impact on lap-time forecasts. On the trackside landscape, engineers can leverage real-world data acquired during testing sessions to authenticate and enhance their car models.
Lap-Time Simulation Correlation
Achieving a correlation between simulation data and track data is mandatory to ensure the precision and dependability of ChassisSim’s predictions. Engineers can detect inconsistencies and modify their car models by comparing simulated to real-world lap times.
In order to enhance the correlation, engineers may need to refine aerodynamic properties, tyre characteristics, or suspension settings. With iteratively tweaking, it will boost the accuracy of their simulations and make well-informed decisions during race weekends.
Advanced Lap-Time Simulation Techniques
In addition to ChassisSim, motorsport engineers can benefit from using MoTeC data analysis software. MoTeC can be applied to analyse the simulation data generated by ChassisSim, allowing engineers to gain deeper insights into their car’s performance. The skills learned with MoTeC are transferable to other data analysis software packages, providing engineers with a versatile skill set.
To truly leverage the full potential of ChassisSim, engineers should explore the software’s advanced features, such as driver-in-the-loop simulation and the ability to export data to various analysis packages. These features can help engineers make more informed decisions and improve the overall performance of their race cars.
Training Opportunities
For those looking to become proficient with ChassisSim, learning through courses is the perfect option for many reasons. These courses typically include hands-on experience with the software, allowing engineers to develop their skills and gain valuable insights from industry professionals.
Here at Motorsport Engineer, we offer the Lap-Time Simulation with ChassisSim course, an opportunity you won’t find anywhere else. This course delivers valuable knowledge on optimising performance using Lap-Time Simulation software. With the help of ChassisSim and MoTeC, you will learn the fundamental concepts necessary to prepare for a successful race. This program will equip you with the skills needed to ensure maximum performance.
Final Thoughts
Mastering ChassisSim is a valuable skill for every motorsport engineer, as it allows them to make data-driven decisions to optimise their race car’s performance. By understanding the software’s capabilities, learning advanced lap-time simulation techniques, and achieving a correlation between simulation and track data, engineers can significantly improve their team’s chances of success on the racetrack. With adequate training and hands-on experience, ChassisSim can become an indispensable tool in the arsenal of a motorsport engineer.