CarSim Sources of Data

Your main interface to CarSim is customized VS Browser, which you use to access and manage an extensive database of vehicle and component properties that are displayed in a graphical content in about 240 screens. The virtual vehicle is assembled from datasets, similar in concept to the way a physical vehicle is assembled from parts and subsystems.

CarSim is provided with example datasets that cover over 10 distinct vehicles types. However, none of the examples provided with CarSim represent specific existing vehicles. They are intended to provide starting points for running simulated tests, with the idea that you will replace datasets for components as the information becomes available. If you work for an OEM, you will probably obtain the data from your company database, built from a combination of design data and measured properties. If you work for a supplier to an OEM, you might obtain the data from your OEM customer.

In addition, there are some privately owned companies that can measure vehicles for you at a reasonable cost. Below are companies that are familiar with the data necessary for our simulations, and they can provide you with information about measuring your vehicle.

AB Dynamics

www.abdynamics.com

AB Dynamics, located in the UK, supplies machines to measure the kinematics and compliance properties of suspensions that are essential to understanding vehicle ride and handling. The machines measure the kinematic characteristics due to suspension and steering system geometries, and compliances due to suspension springs, anti-roll bars, elastomeric bushings and component deflections. A translation program is available to generate parsfiles for direct import into CarSim.

Automax

www.automax.co.jp/en

Automax is a Japanese manufacturer that produces vehicle basic characteristic measurement systems that measure suspension and steering system parameters on a bench. The first model of this device was manufactured and delivered in 1980. In 2021, we installed this proven system at our Fukushima factory and began contract testing. The test is conducted with the vehicle stationary. The test inputs the load or displacement from the tire contact surface and measures changes in wheel alignment and the load and moment on the tire contact surface. The measured data will be provided in .cpar format that can be read by CarSim.

オートマックス

www.automax.co.jp

オートマックスはサスペンション及びステアリング系のパラメータを台上で測定する 車両基礎特性測定システムを製作する日本のメーカーです。 本装置の初号機は1980年に製作、納入しております。 2021年よりこの実績あるシステムを弊社福島工場に設置し、受託試験を開始しました。 試験は車両を固定した状態で行われます。 試験はタイヤ接地面から荷重または変位を入力し、ホイールアライメント変化とタイヤ接地面の 荷重及びモーメントを測定します。 測定したデータはCarSimで読み込める.cpar形式でご提供いたします。

Calspan

https://www.calspan.com

The Calspan Corporation, located in Buffalo, New York, offers services for measurement of tire force and moment properties on a flat-belt tire test machine.

Morse Measurements, LLC

www.morsemeasurements.com

Morse Measurements, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, offers suspension K&C measurement services using an AB Dynamics Suspension Parameter Measurement Machine (SPMM). They can provide you with suspension kinematic data in a CarSim friendly format.

SEA, Ltd.

https://sealimited.com

SEA, Ltd., located in Columbus, Ohio, provides services for measurement of a vehicle's mass and inertia properties for use in CarSim.

Smithers Scientific Services, Inc.

www.smithers.com/

Smithers Scientific Services, located in Akron, Ohio, provides tire testing services used by leading tire and vehicle manufacturers to enhance design and maximize performance. Smithers performs a complete range of tests and evaluations including tire force and moment, environmental response, life-cycle fatigue, stiffness, and footprint behavior. Smithers uses CarSim and can get you the tire data you need for your simulations.