Race Car Simulator
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Race Car Simulator
This program is designed to teach the basics of vehicle dynamics. The program uses the basic equations of vehicle dynamics and computer graphics to illustrate the effect of chassis changes on vehicle handling. The program not only demonstrates what chassis changes will cause understeer or oversteer, but shows why the changes occur. This learning promotes greater understanding of vehicle dynamics and a sounder knowledge of car set-up.
This program uses basic formulas of vehicle dynamics pertaining to load transfer to demonstrate the effect of chassis changes on the handling characteristics of a car. The program uses actual values and proper equations as much as possible, but limits on vehicle data (particularly tire data) mean that this program is not a total and complete vehicle simulation.
The program teaches vehicle dynamics, explaining the effect of a spring or bar
change as well as WHY.
The Forces on a Race Car
This is the Race Car Simulator display of a car turning left with no acceleration or braking. The 800 lbs/inch front springs and a 360 fl-lbs/degree front anti-roll bar give a front stiffness of 1945 ft-lbs/degree.
The load on the right front tire is 1181 lbs., while the left front load is 288 lbs. This produces a cornering force of 1460 lbs. from the right front and 409 from the left front. At 1.272g this car is using all available grip at the front end and can not corner harder.