MTS Systems Corporation and McLaren Applied Technologies (MAT) have developed a new vehicle dynamics simulator (VDS) in partnership. According to Professor Mark Gillan, director of MTS’s motorsports technology group, the MTS-McLaren VDS offers unique advantages over conventional driving simulators.
“The system’s compact, modular, portable design and low energy requirements make it suitable for office, laboratory or test track deployment, providing a common point of reference for groups across the design and development continuum.
“Additionally, the system can be easily enhanced to accommodate advanced mechanical Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) technology, which enables the potential real-time integration of difficult-to-model physical hardware, such as tires, dampers, hybrid powertrains and steering systems, directly into the simulation.”
Geoff McGrath, VP of McLaren Applied Technologies, commented, “By combining McLaren’s vehicle modeling expertise and simulator technology with MTS Systems’ experience in mechanical testing solutions, we hope to revolutionize mainstream car development on a global scale.
“The simulators and associated technologies developed by MAT and MTS Systems deliver unique advantages because they are built on the driver-in-the-loop model. The driver is immersed into a complex simulation of a car, which enables accurate, human feedback to the vehicle engineering team. Car set-up can then be changed, and further tests conducted immediately.”
Meanwhile MTS president and CEO, Dr Jeffrey Graves, added, “This is another great example of how we can leverage our motorsports technology relationships to bring the most advanced new product development technologies to the global automotive market. These advancements will help OEMs in reducing cycle time and improving the performance of new automobiles, ultimately bringing higher performing, lower emissions and more fuel-efficient vehicle designs to the global market quicker than ever before.”
March 25, 2015