- New high bandwidth technology allows drivers to assess subjective feel in a virtual environment, complimenting existing simulators
AVL, the world’s largest independent company for the development of automotive powertrain systems, is using simulator software from rFactor Pro to assess the behaviour of future vehicles in a virtual environment, before any prototypes exist.
AVL has developed new simulation methods for the design of powertrains for its OEM customers in which the ‘driveability’ of future vehicles can be experienced, assessed and optimised in the early phases of vehicle development. This is made possible by integrating its VSM and AVL-Drive products and running them through rFactor Pro software on its driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulator.
Using rFactor Pro with an integrated vehicle model such as AVL-VSM enables powertrain and vehicle modifications to be done via simulation, saving both cost and time. AVL estimates that over 30 percent of the costs incurred in developing driving attributes could be saved through frontloading the engineering activity on a DIL simulator with subjective feedback, making better and more complete information available earlier in a vehicle program.
“Early in the development of new powertrain concepts, decisions are made regarding fundamental architecture which have far-reaching consequences,” explained AVL’s Erik Bogner Dipl-Ing, Manager for Driveability and Simulation, Engineering & Technology, Powertrains Systems dept. “Many of those decisions influence the subjective feel of the vehicle and require driver feedback to supplement objective data, in order to ensure the optimum choices are made. Simulation software from rFactor Pro not only provides the greatest possible graphical realism for the driver but also the ability to ‘feel’ events such as gear shifts and vehicle movements and experience them in ways that are not possible with offline desktop simulation.”
Applications at AVL include the evaluation of alternative powertrain concepts, vehicle handling and stability assessments and the fine tuning and calibration of shift strategies for automated transmissions. Sensitivity analyses can be carried out, studying the effect on driveability of small changes such as different wheels or shafts, and larger effects due to transmission variations, different engine torque curves and electrification or hybrid concepts.
“AVL chose rFactor Pro software because it provides seamless integration of the vehicle model and the best level of immersive experience for the driver conducting the assessment testing,” Bogner continued. “rFactor Pro’s inherent strengths in low latency and high bandwidth make it the only viable solution for conducting DIL vehicle dynamics studies.”
The technology creates unprecedented opportunities for the development of stability systems, according to Bogner. “In the simulator, driving at the limit of vehicle stability can take place in a safe and repeatable environment, making the evaluation of extreme manoeuvres much more scientific and less hazardous,” he said.
There are also new possibilities in other areas. “Since developing our simulator through the use of rFactor Pro we are now investigating new methods of testing and developing powertrains in ways we had not previously considered,” he said. “Future plans include further R&D work for subjective impressions while driving with on-board assistance systems like Automated Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistant.”
rFactor Pro’s technical director, Chris Hoyle, feels the range of applications at AVL illustrates the value of the technology to the road vehicle industry. “Our simulator software has already become dominant among the well-funded motorsport teams, such as Formula 1 and the NASCAR manufacturers, but it offers so much more to the road vehicle manufacturer, the opportunity to gain meaningful data at a pre-prototype stage helps improve the final product while also cutting costs and enabling the exploration of more imaginative solutions to the challenges faced.” he said.
About rFactor Pro
rFactor Pro is a specialist software company that has developed driver-in-the-loop simulators for vehicle dynamics applications, offering the fastest video and audio pipelines and an optically correct off-platform vision system optimised for motion profiles suited to ride and handling development. This specialised area of driver-in-the-loop simulation is all about closing the loop through the driver and the vehicle model as quickly as possible while delivering a high quality and immersive environment.
To deliver complete DIL simulators for the engineering development of vehicle dynamics, and the control systems and active safety systems that affect vehicle dynamics, rFactor Pro works in partnership with motion platform providers such as McLaren, Ansible Motion and MOOG.
