Analysis
Fully understanding the behavior of a vehicle dynamics system and its interaction with other systems can be challenging task. OptimumG analysts can help you understand the characteristics and performance of any vehicle dynamics system. Our analyses and conclusions will help you make the right decision, whether it is about vehicle design/setup or product strategy.
Thanks to our highly scalable analysis tools and methods, we can deliver accurate analyses very quick or very accurate analyses not quite as quick. Our approach for any analysis task is to start with most straightforward analysis tool and we then increase the level of complexity until we reach conclusive results. This ensures that we always use the most cost and time-effective approach to solve your problems.
In most cases we use testing or simulation results to fully understand the ins and outs of a vehicle or vehicle sub-system. Different types of simulation tools are used in cases where a vehicle/sub-system not yet is built or where testing is not deemed cost-effective. In other cases, testing provides the most helpful data that will allow us to reach conclusive results.
Once an analysis project is concluded, our analyst will report on our findings and with our recommendations. Most analysis projects are discussed within the entire engineering group at OptimumG; this means that our engineers, with a wide range of past experiences, get to voice their view on the problem and solutions. In most cases we have an open dialog in which ideas and suggestions for solutions and future work are shared with the customer.
If you would like to get in contact with a project manager to discuss an analysis project, please contact us
Past analysis projects have included:
Vehicle concept study
OptimumG help customers evaluating vehicles before they are even built. Through simulation and calculations, OptimumG can help define important vehicle parameters already on planning stage. Setting these specifications means that desirable vehicle dynamics performance can be ensured when the vehicle is driven for the first time. These studies can vary from very crude estimations to detailed specifications which are used to drive the detailed design process.
A study on a compact city vehicle
Suspension kinematics optimization
OptimumG’s experience suspension engineers help customers in finding kinematic solutions that matches the needs of the vehicle. Important parameters such as roll-center, camber variation, bump steer and more are covered. Projects can range from fully optimized designs for a given vehicle or “sanity checks” of existing designs.
Suspension actuation optimization of race car suspension
Suspension design analysis (kinematics/dynamics/mechanics)
Through its consulting projects, OptimumG has seen most types of suspension layouts. Backed by this experience, OptimumG can advise on any aspect of the suspension design. Costly mistakes can be avoided and performance increases can be found while the design still is on the drawing board. Existing designs can also be evaluated to improve performance or solve issues.
Track performance studies
Through data analysis and simulation OptimumG can help clients understand how a vehicle needs to be setup for a given track. Factors such as tire and brake wear, fuel consumption can be accurately predicted, which then can be used to design a race strategy. Optimal settings for parameters such aerodynamic configurations and gearbox ratios can be found. OptimumG can also advise on recommended chassis setups based on vehicle balance and driver style for a given track.
Tire
Matching a tire to a vehicle or a vehicle to a tire is difficult. Thanks to OptimumG’s experience in working with both tire manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers/race teams, OptimumG engineers can link tire characteristics to vehicle characteristics. This means that OptimumG can advise tire manufacturers on desirable tire characteristics for a given vehicle or a vehicle manufacturer/race team on which tire characteristics their vehicle needs. OptimumG rely on a set of proven tools and methods to help the client find the best tire for a given vehicle.
Vehicle setup analysis
Sometimes a vehicle doesn’t perform as well as desired. OptimumG can analyze vehicle setups and find which areas should be tackled to increase performance and solve issues. In past projects OptimumG have been able to identify changes to sets of parameters that have been overseen by the client. In most cases these changes have lead to noticeable improved performance as motorsport customers have gone from placing in the middle of the pack to qualifying on the pole.
Race track layout analysis
OptimumG have previously helped multiple race tracks facilities to evaluate race track designs before they’ve been built. Through simulation, OptimumG are able to provide lap time and speed estimations for different track layout and configurations. This is typically used by the track designer to correctly dimension run-off areas and other safety features. OptimumG can also provide key metrics regarding the track and how it compares to other tracks around the world – this can help to describe the “feel” of the track in early design stages.
Analysis of a track design based on track drawings
Aerodynamics data analysis
OptimumG has experience working with aerodynamics data collected from windtunnel testing, CFD simulations and on-track testing. From this type of data OptimumG can construct aeromaps which can be used in vehicle simulations and analysis. Using this type of data, OptimumG can recommend on chassis setup to use the aerodynamics to its fullest. OptimumG can also recommend on desirable aerodynamic characteristics to ensure efficient, stable and well-balanced vehicle dynamics behavior.
Race team operations analysis
Through experience working with a multitude of different race teams, OptimumG have the experience to identify good and poor practices in the operations of a race team. After a team visit and accompanying the team to test and/or race, OptimumG can advise on recommended changes to improve team performance. The study can cover areas such as operations management, information management, personnel and time management and, race engineering methodologies and workflows.
Driver characterization
OptimumG’s data engineers can quickly characterize driver styles through the use of logged data, video recordings and driver debriefing. This information can then be used to help the driver to improve his/hers techniques and style. It can also be used to help the engineer to design vehicle setups that caters better to the specific driver’s driving style.