Dear FSAE friends and fans,
In engineering projects in general and FSAE projects in particular, a common goal is improving performance. In most cases, improved performance can be achieved in many different ways. We'll then face the question – What's is the best and most efficient way to improve performance?
In the past, time and resource constraints can make it difficult to explore all different options. However, with modern computers, we are now able to model and predict the behavior of different systems via simulation – for example a race car. Simulation is a great method to explore different design solutions without having to build a single physical part. Analyzing simulation results gives us a better understanding of how our race car reacts to parameter changes and we can make decisions based on data (rather than gut feelings) – something Geoff outlines really well in this thread: http://fsae.com/eve/forums/a/t...25607348/m/217101453
Recently, we asked ourselves: How come so few FSAE teams use simulation to determine what their car should look like? To determine which areas of the car to focus on? We found that the level of complexity of most readily available simulation software were so high that it required a team days if not weeks to get a first result. A common misconception is that increased complexity leads to better, more useful results (Damian Harty demonstrates in his paper "Myth of Accuracy" that this is not case).
With OptimumLap we set out to simplify vehicle dynamic simulation – to the point where anyone can get reasonably accurate and very useful results within minutes. By reducing the vehicle to its most fundamental components, we define a car with only 10 parameters. Each parameter representing a specific aspect of the car (such as engine, tires or aerodynamics). This makes it easy to identify the effect that each parameter/sub-system will have on the vehicle's performance – something we believe helps you better understand what to focus your time and resources on. A simplified vehicle model however, has the downside that it doesn't allow you study the vehicle in great detail. For that we need increased fidelity, but in our experience, you have to make it useful before you make it complicated. And, with OptimumLap, the results are typically within 10% of reality.
We have built OptimumLap to encourage you and your team, to use simulation results (engineering data) to make engineering decisions. With the built-in tools you are able to study effects of engine power, gearbox characteristics, aerodynamics, tires and mass. The results will help you define the specifications for the detailed design of different sub-systems. For example: Do you need more longitudinal or lateral grip? How much drag can you wings add before they start to negatively affect performance? Which final drive ratio minimizes the number of gear shifts (and thus the size of your pneumatic tank)? How much energy do my batteries or fuel tank have to be able to store to complete endurance?
These are just some examples of how OptimumLap can be used and we are excited to see what types of analyses you will come up with! We are making OptimumLap available free of charge for anyone. If you want to get started already, we are currently in a beta testing phase (with the final release slated later this fall) and we invite you all to try it.
To sign-up for the beta:
1. Go to http://beta.optimumg.com/signup
2. Enter the invite code: FSAELap2012 (there are only 50 invites available at this time)
3. You will receive an email with a download link and your license key.
That's all for now, we would love to hear your thoughts and comments. We will of course update you here, on our facebook page on our website once we have an update!
For more information: http://beta.optimumg.com/introduction/
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Best regards,
Rachel
rachel.trapp@optimumg.com
OptimumG
Vehicle Dynamics Solutions
http://www.optimumg.com