New external physics plug-in technology makes full motion simulation more accessible and affordable to vehicle dynamics systems designers
- Matlab Simulink-based modelling for Racer Pro software opens doors to unlimited driver-in-the-loop testing of a larger numbers of vehicle models using Cruden simulators - Visit Cruden’s software developers and motion-cueing experts on stand 5145 or attend demonstration session at the Open Technology Forum on June 23rd at 15:40 STUTTGART – Cruden B.V. – the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of interactive motion-based simulators – is making its affordable simulators even more accessible to automotive suppliers with the introduction of a new external physics plug-in. Engineering teams from steering, braking, electronic control, tyre and chassis systems companies can now seamlessly and automatically integrate their MATLAB Simulink-based vehicle models with the Cruden simulator. This allows unlimited evaluation of multiple models incorporating all-important driver ‘feel’ in a repeatable environment without the time and cost of testing at a test track. The move is a response to demand from automotive suppliers and race teams interested in Cruden simulators – the company’s motion-cueing expertise, system accuracy and realism is world-renowned – who want to build their vehicle models in industry standard software packages. Cruden’s external physics engine or ‘EPhysE’ option eliminates the need to build vehicle models in the simulator’s internal physics environment using C++ code. Now, via the Racer Pro Target in Simulink’s real Time Workshop, the programme automatically mates customer’s vehicle model data – such as gear change, throttle position, brake pressures and balance, throttle mapping– and extracts the necessary outputs to drive the simulator’s hardware and graphics. The system offers real time data logging and parameter tuning on-the-fly via Real Time Workshop which means engineers can change parameters and monitor signals constantly through the simulation. “Cruden has been working with vehicle dynamics systems and components designers for many years, and as with all evolving technologies, simulation has developed to become accessible to lower tiers within the industry,” says Frank Kalff, Cruden’s commercial director. “The business case for Tier 1 and 2 automotive manufacturers acquiring one of our simulators is now even stronger. So many more development models can be tested earlier, offline, in a realistic, accurately simulated environment. When it comes to the prototype build stage, only the best models are tested for real, meaning the optimum performing components and settings are highlighted more quickly and cost effectively.” As a result of the new technology, Cruden anticipates strong interest from the automotive industry in its Hexatech professional full motion simulator. The electromechanical system offers six ‘degrees of freedom’ (6DOF), realistic g-Force simulation up to multiple g’s and 100 per cent realistic steering feedback. Cruden’s CEO Maarten van Donselaar and project engineer Marno Hopmans will be demonstrating the Racer Pro plug-in at the Vehicle Dynamics Expo Open Technology Forum on June 23rd at 15:40 h. Visitors interested in attending the show need to register by visiting the event website: http://www.vehicledynamics-expo.com. - Ends - About Cruden Cruden is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of interactive, motion-based racing simulators. The company develops the most high tech, realistic and accurate professional equipment for the top levels of international motorsport, including Formula One, as well as vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. The same package is then made available to the global entertainment market and to private individuals to create a motorsport experience which simply does not compare with ‘games’ machines on the market. Cruden’s heritage is in the development of professional simulators for the aerospace, marine and automotive industries. Originating from Fokker Aircraft Company, the company was FCS Racing Simulation before becoming Cruden in 2006. www.cruden.com 04/06/2010 Cruden at VDI Expo preview app Press Enquiries Claire Dumbreck, Propel Technology, Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK, OX15 4FF. +44 (0)1295 724130 / +44 (0) 7768 773857 claire@propel-technology.com
Tags: