Vehicle Dynamics Motorsports Library
VDL Motorsports is an extension to the Vehicle Dynamics library and builds on the capabilities incorporated in the Vehicle Dynamics Library Cars versions. It provides optimised double wishbone suspension models for motorsport applications. The suspension mechanisms include the full range of adjustments that are applied in a physically correct manner by defining the shim sizes to be used.
The suspension models are fully compatible with the standard Vehicle Dynamics library which enables them to be used in all the standard test rigs and dynamic simulation experiments. Additional experiments are provided within the VDL Motorsports library to run setup calculations, steady state initialisations and for half-car suspension kinematics including the tyre.
Double wishbone with pushrods or pullrods
A highly optimised implementation of this suspension mechanism is provided to minimise the number of nonlinear systems of equations in the model. A specialised suspension model architecture is utilised to suit this mechanism. A single rocker arrangement subsystem is used to include the ride springs, dampers, heave springs, monoshock, inerters and anti-roll systems that are connected to the rockers on both sides of the car.
Mass and aerodynamic models
New vehicle body models are provided for the mass properties and aerodynamics. The mass properties include a user scaleable number of locations for ballast mass to be positioned within the vehicle. The aerodynamic model has been enhanced to generate lift and drag forces taking in to consideration vehicle speed, wind velocity, yaw rate and vehicle angles.
Setup Experiments
Setup calculations as a half-car or full-car can be performed to automatically adjust the suspension to achieve specified wheel angle ride height targets. The setup calculations determine the shim thicknesses and spring preload adjustments required to achieve the specified targets. Using setup records the results of these calculations can be stored and easily applied to models for use in other experiments.
Steady State Initialisation
Steady state initialisation experiments for half-car and full-car models are provided. For the full car models this is possible for both straight line and cornering conditions. Steady state initialisation is achieved due to the optimised suspension mechanism and the use of a modified implementation of the Pacejka tire model.
To find out more you can download the brochure.
