Modelling of a high-performance vehicle in MATLAB/Simulink and Canopy Simulations

Abstract: The car industry is constantly evolving. High demands from customers and governing bodies force the manufacturers to speed up development of new vehicle models. This process used to be a very costly, time consuming and not very ecologically sustainable because new and expensive parts had to be made that are difficult to manufacture. Today, there are many different computer softwares that can help the development process by allowing the manufacturers to move this process into a digital environment which can save money, time and at the same time help to become ecologically sustainable. This Master's thesis is a collaboration with Koenigsegg Automotive AB and aims to evaluate computer softwares and their vehicle models. Three different softwares are tested by looking at the correlation between them and measurement data from a real vehicle test. This to build a better understanding of how the softwares work and how they can be used in the development process of vehicle dynamics and control. The tested softwares are MATLAB/Simulink, CarMaker and Canopy Simulations. A longitudinal model and a lateral model, also known as the dual track model is created in MATLAB/Simulink and it is compared to the vehicle created in the table based software CarMaker and the vehicle created in the optimization oriented software Canopy Simulations. To test the different models against each other some standard maneuvers are used, such as slalom and constant radius cornering. The models are compared by measuring the lateral acceleration and yawrate. Track driving is also tested since Canopy Simulations is specifically developed for track driving. The tests show a good correlation between the vehicle models, especially at lower velocities. The developed dual track model during this Master's thesis is a good vehicle model and can predict the lateral acceleration and yawrate and shows most accurate results at lower velocities and during non transient maneuvers where the load transfer is minimal. The model is heavily dependent on the tire model which has to be taken into consideration. CarMaker shows similar results to the dual track model but this software is more suited for testing different driver aids. The way Canopy Simulations works makes it more complex to perform standard maneuvers and test the correlation, but initial simulations show a good correlation and its capabilities when it comes to vehicle development. It is a great tool for optimizing a vehicle for performance on track.