Developments of a Method for Lap Time Simulation 2000-01-3562
The paper aims at introducing the developments of a performance simulation method for predicting the potential lap time of a given racing car on a given circuit. It is based on a previous work published in [1].
This first attempt produced fairly reliable results but it was not totally satisfactory since computation was very slow. It was then decided to restart from scratch with the following approach. Reference is made to the renowned «Milliken» [2].
The vehicle maximum G-G envelope is estimated. Then the model follows the «real» raceline -acquired with on-board instrumentation- performing within the G-G envelope. Accurate comparison with real-world data is used to identify and calibrate some of the model parameters. After calibration the model can be used to study the effect of different set-ups, aerodynamic balance, gear ratios etc. Where the circuit is new to the team a trajectory can be designed on a circuit map by using a built-in, parametric CAD-like interface.
G-G envelope estimation prior to actual simulation has largely improved the computational speed. Also, the graphic interface aims at pit-lane use by the race engineer.
The software is the product of a joint research between the University of Brescia and the team BMS Scuderia Italia therefore it is not available on the market.
