Diamond Bar, CA – Driving Safe, the third session in SEMA’s three-part vehicle technology briefing program, will be held on Thursday, November 5, at 9:30 am in Room N-254 at the 2009 SEMA Show. Following the briefing, a full-vehicle demonstration of SEMA’s dSPACE-CarSim HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) capabilities will be conducted during the Driving Safe Press Conference at Booth #10058, North Hall at 12:30 p.m. The media demonstration will illustrate how accurate simulations of FMVSS 126 ESC tests, anti-lock brake (ABS) testing, and other high-performance vehicle dynamics and safety testing procedures can be economically conducted.
“Helping SEMA members gain a deeper understanding of active-passive safety systems combined with affordable, practical approaches for determining compatibility and compliance of a given aftermarket product with ESC systems performance is a major objective of our vehicle technology strategy at SEMA” John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology.
The SEMA Hardware-in-the-Loop system is a collaborative effort with dSPACE, Inc., based in Wixom, Mich. and running with CarSim vehicle dynamics simulation software from Mechanical Simulation, Inc., based in Ann Arbor, Mich. This HIL technology is used by all OEMs and major suppliers around the world to develop, test and simulate vehicle dynamics, new chassis system components, engines, drivetrains, and vehicle electronic control systems. SEMA is working with its members to provide a cost-effective, world class programs, solutions and information for testing and simulation of complex technology systems integration, vehicle dynamics and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems performance of aftermarket modified vehicles.
SEMA, CarSim and dSPACE representatives, as well as speakers from Toyota and the National Truck Equipment Association will present an overview of the latest understanding, challenges, opportunities and solutions associated with ESC performance of aftermarket modified vehicles and HIL benefits during the Vehicle Technology Briefing session. At 9:30 a.m. as well as the Press Conference at 12:30 p.m.
Simulated vehicle testing can result in an 80-90 percent cost and time savings to SEMA members when compared to physical testing at proving grounds or race tracks. Performance aftermarket industry leaders such as Pro Comp Suspension Systems President, Rich Botello; Tim Watt, Vice president of Sales and Marketing for Superlift Suspension Systems; Bill Johnson, Engineering Manager from Rancho; and the Chairman of SEMA’s Suspension Task Force have been working with SEMA’s John Waraniak and Ed Browalski to develop this new SEMA program offering. This includes full-vehicle testing at TRC of Ohio to obtain actual FMVSS 126 proving ground test data and compare with CarSim simulation results.
“With the increasing complexity of electronic controls in automobiles to meet both increasing consumer expectations as well as increasing government regulations on safety, fuel efficiency and the overall driving experience, HIL technology has become indispensible to the vehicle system developer. Without it, there would never be enough time or money to be competitive,” said Kevin Kott, president of dSPACE.
