Mechanical Simulation's BikeSim 2 Offers New Architecture

By DE Editors

Mechanical Simulation Corporation (Ann Arbor, MI) released BikeSim 2, an upgraded version of its motorcycle vehicle dynamics program that includes improvements to BikeSim as provided by the adoption of the new VehicleSim simulation architecture (introduced with CarSim 7 in 2007).

The new math models maintain the high efficiency with third-party software such as Simulink, providing excellent backward compatibility with BikeSim 1.

BikeSim is vehicle dynamics software that analyzes a range of vehicle responses to such rider inputs as control, steering, suspension, lean, braking, tire dynamics, and throttle. The system also incorporates such environmental factors as aerodynamics, road geometry, and friction for a variety of simulations. VehicleSim is a simulation technology that includes a command language for extending the model at run time.

In BikeSim 2, the VehicleSim-based math models are even more extendible by users at runtime. All model parameters can be specified with symbolic equations based on other parameters (while they can still be specified with numbers).

Users can add new output variables, controllers, and automation options at runtime, with no external software. Many modeling details can be adjusted at runtime, such as the use of tables and unit-systems. However, users with external software still have options that have also been extended in BikeSim 2. The models communicate with a standard application program interface (API) that is well documented and can be used to connect with nearly any simulation environment.

In addition to the new VehicleSim capabilities, improvements were made in the motorcycle multi-body model. Suspension models have full nonlinear kinematical behavior that can support various types of suspension kinematics. The interaction between the steering system and the suspension has been redone, with more detail for accurate 3D kinematics over the full range of design options.

New tire models are included the TO Delft-Tyre model and a nonlinear table lookup tire mode. Control of the rider upper-body movement has been extended.

For details, contact Mechanical Simulation.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.