Simulation in the Automotive Industry

Testing and simulation in vehicle development ensure proper functionality of your systems. Are you looking to model transmissions, chassis and vehicle dynamics, for instance, in order to develop vehicles that are more energy efficient? Then SimulationX is your simulation software of choice.

Testing and simulating different functionalities in vehicle development

Be it modeling of drive systems, chassis and vehicle dynamics simulation, efficiency analyses of gearboxes or energy efficiency in general – ESI ITI’s engineers support you throughout the entire product development process. Model your own multiphysics systems and conduct virtual tests in SimulationX. System integration is our core competency; achieving proper functionality is our common development goal; system simulation with our simulation software SimulationX is your tool of choice.

Simulation in automotive industry Simulation in automotive industry
New in SimulationX 3.8

  • Evaluate complex three-dimensional rope and belt drives through detailed and convenient simulation

    Operating complex rope and belt assemblies with high precision including offshore heave compensation requires accurate controls and clever engineering. With the new, dedicated model library with pulleys, drums and belts/ropes, you can create detailed models of spatial rope and belt drives or winders for cables and wires fast and efficiently. Evaluate all interactions between belt or rope, input, output and controls as well as occurring forces and torques.

  • Evaluate the influence of humidity in air and other gases in air conditioning systems or industrial processes

    In HVAC systems and many manufacturing processes, the right humidity level is crucial for the human comfort or the product quality. Furthermore, the heat balance of thermal systems, for example in air coolers or condensing boilers, is influenced if vapor inside the air or gas condensates.Gases and mixtures in SimulationX can now incorporate humidity. Get reliable information about the condensing behavior of thermal systems based on accurate simulation results!

  • Ensure safety and comfort during braking maneuvers of cars and motorbikes (including influences of ABS and ESP)

    The new, dedicated model library Hydraulic Brake Systems helps speed up the development process for brake systems. Analyze resulting forces at the wheel brake cylinder and the “pedal feeling” during braking maneuvers with comprehensive system simulation. Use the ready-made, detailed braking component models for evaluations of braking comfort and for analyses of the vehicle’s overall behavior (e.g. stability during braking or ABS/ESP intervention).

  • Design reliable lubrication systems inside engines and gearboxes

    Simulate the oil-circulation system for lubricating combustion engines and gearboxes with SimulationX and the new model library “Hydraulic Lubrication”. Examine whether the chosen design provides sufficient lubrication at the desired bearings with respect to heat input, heat transport and other influencing factors.

  • Simulate electric machines, which serve as generator or motor, without the need to have detailed knowledge in electrical and controls engineering

    With dedicated circuit models, which are easily parameterized with catalogue data and the desired automatic controller action, design engineers can simulate the behavior of electric machines interacting with mechanical and electrical components. Electrical engineers benefit from ready-to-use circuit models for efficient and easy modeling, simulation and detailed analyses of the power electronics and controls in electric machines.

    • Market requirements

    Automotive engineering: market requirements and trends

    When computers and machines in today’s digital factories take over more and more development and production tasks, the engineer’s abilities to make assessments and to handle integrated systems are key. Instead of looking at isolated systems, such as the chassis, engine, transmission or clutch, engineers are forced more than ever to recognize correlations and think in more integrated ways. Here are some examples of the ongoing change in the automotive industry:

    • Strong division of labor between internal resources and external suppliers at different locations around the globe
    • Great share of development work with shorter development cycles
    • Declining product maturity due to time constraints, while more variants are explored in the development
    • Integrated development and production units
    • Increased complexity by transition to mechatronic vehicles
    • More safety regulations and standards

    Quality management in vehicle development

    Already 90 % of all innovations in vehicles involve electronic systems – with a growing tendency. What do your development engineers contribute to ensure proper functionality of your products? What is your development approach? How can you further improve quality and the development process? How do you counter hazards and risks? The ISO standard 26262 does not suffice today’s methods in product and quality management. We have the necessary experience from many different projects and know our way around finding the right solution for you. 

    Engineering
    Model of a drivetrain Model of a drivetrain
    Our solution
    Simulation in automotive industry engine Simulation in automotive industry engine

    Simulation solutions for the automotive industry

    What may the drivetrain in future vehicles look like? How high are power density, energy efficiency, flexibility, vehicle dynamics and driving comfort? How do several physical systems interact with each other and how can mechatronic correlations be described in a comprehensible way? These and other questions can no longer be answered through measured data. That is why renowned car makers around the globe have been working in their product development with one of the leading simulation tools and engineering services from ITI for years: SimulationX.

    SimulationX – Software for vehicle development

    The following applications show you examples of how you can use our simulation software SimulationX:

    • Physical 1D to 3D simulation of drive and chassis systems on a single platform
    • Scalable concepts of engines, drives, controller layouts and chassis
    • Model-based development of different functionalities for vehicle dynamics analyses
    • Numerical calculation with validated and customizable model components (e.g. simulation of engine, clutch, gearbox, chassis and controls)
    • Preliminary design and evaluation of conventional, hybrid and electric drive systems including thermal management and operating strategies
    • Prediction and understanding of 1D to 3D vibrational phenomena (NVH: noise vibration harshness)
    • Virtual component and system tests based on physical models throughout all development phases (HiL, MiL, SiL)
    • Simulation-based design and execution of experiments

    Multiphysics modeling of vehicle systems

    Safety, reliability and availability of driver assistance and vehicle dynamics systems are key to creating innovative vehicle concepts, such as self-driving cars. With the multiphysics simulation software SimulationX, you are in full control of a vehicle’s electronics and mechatronics interactions. Whether you already are experienced in simulation techniques or whether you want to learn them – SimulationX is suitable for experts and beginners alike. Let our industry experts assist you in choosing the right version for your needs. Together we will find the best combination of software and engineering services for your simulation and testing efforts in the field of automotive applications.

    Systemsimulation automotive industry Systemsimulation automotive industry

    Simulation of Energy Storage Systems

    From battery storage to flywheel storage - learn more about the simulation of energy storages.

    Go to energy storages

    HVAC technology in vehicles, machinery and buildings

    Application examples and solutions

    Go to HVAC technology
    References

    Customers and References

    All over the world, suppliers and engineering providers in the automobile industry, use SimulationX for designing and optimizing vehicle systems. e.g. Audi, BMW, Continental, Daimler, Ford, Honda, IAV, Jaguar, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Schaeffler or Volkswagen.

  • BMW Group

    SimulationX is used by the BMW Group for the simulation of Bowden cables in virtual vehicles

    about BMW's project

  • Volkswagen

    Modeling powertrains and analyzing system behavior with SimulationX

    about VW's project

  • ZF

    Enhances development of torsional vibration dampers by using SimulationX

    about ZF's project

  • Daimler Trucks

    Developing pneumatic brake systems through dynamic simulation

    about Daimler's project

  • HOERBIGER

    Designing and experiencing shifting sequences conveniently

    about Hoerbiger's project

  • Mahindra & Mahindra

    Modeling and real-time simulation of an automobile HVAC system in SimulationX

    about Mahindra's project

  • Krauss-Maffei Wegmann

    With SimulationX Krauss-Maffei Wegmann simulates and tests off-road vehicles in virtual reality

    about KMW's project

  • Elbflorace

    Designing energy storage solutions for electric vehicles in the best possible way

    about Elbflorace's project

    • Get to know SimulationX

    Do you already have experience in simulation techniques or are you just about to get started? SimulationX is available to beginners and experts for automotive simulations alike. Find out which version may suit you best.

    SimulationX

    Customer Center

    You can also download brochures and documents on system simulation and learn more about various training options.

    Customer Center
    Contact
    Dr. Wenyong Li Sales Manager China
    Nico Krückeberg Marketing
    Cindy Suryono International Sales
    Salim Chaker Engineering