Siemens, rFpro launch new tire-road simulation technology

Munich, Germany – Siemens Digital Industries Software and UK-based automotive simulation supplier rFpro have developed a new system that is claimed to enable “highly accurate” simulations of tire-road interaction.

The technology integrates Siemens’ Simcenter Tire software with rFpro’s TerrainServer, which the UK company says provides “a millimetre-accurate digital model of road surfaces.”

The new interface allows the Siemens tire simulation platform to “directly interrogate” surface data from rFpro’s system and calculate tire forces and moments for vehicle models, rFpro said on 24 Sept.

This, it added, enables “highly accurate simulations of how a tire interacts with the road, [which is] a key requirement in virtual testing for both automotive and motorsport development.”

rFpro’s TerrainServer provides high-resolution road surface data for digital models of real-world locations such as public roads, proving grounds and test circuits.

When used in combination with Simcenter Tire, it allows engineers to evaluate handling, ride and grip characteristics.

Results can be assessed both objectively through data analysis and subjectively via driver-in-the-loop simulators.

“Tire behaviour depends heavily on the surface it’s interacting with,” said Willem Versteden, senior technical product manager at Siemens Digital Industries Software.

By integrating the systems, engineers can now simulate that interaction with “a much higher level of detail,” he added.

rFpro said the partnership supported its “agnostic approach” of keeping its simulation platform open and giving users flexibility to work with their preferred models and systems.

The “platform-agnostic approach” means engineers can pick and choose the tools for the job and combine specialised technologies from different vendors, explained Nick Harrison, development director at rFpro.