SwRI: Vehicle Research and Development, Modeling and Simulation

Vehicle-level modeling and simulation began in 1993 at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), and since that time, SwRI has developed 5 different modeling software systems with improved accuracy and capability in each system. The modeling and simulation software systems have been developed to perform several hybrid configurations as well as conventional vehicle modeling and simulation systems.

 

image of vehicle models in MATLAB/Simulink developed to simulate vehicles from automobiles to heavy trucks

Engineers at SwRI develop vehicle models in MATLAB®/Simulink® to simulate vehicles from automobiles to heavy trucks.


Modeling and Simulation Programs for the Automotive Industry

The modeling and simulation programs are used internally within SwRI and for various automotive industry clients to analyze the following:

  • Optimized component selection

  • Vehicle performance

  • Vehicle emissions and fuel economy

  • Individual component performance

  • Parasitic losses

  • Powertrain control strategies

  • Trade-off studies and what-if simulations

  • Effect of driving cycle on vehicle emissions/fuel economy

Modeling and Simulation for Vehicle Components

Modeling and simulation can also be used in the development and integration of vehicle components and systems and is particularly used for the development of hybrid vehicle systems for classes of vehicles from automobiles to very large commercial and military trucks.
 

image of simulation results graph

Simulation results help SwRI engineers design better vehicle powertrain systems.


For more information about modeling and simulation capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Alan Montemayor at amontemayor@swri.org or (210) 522-6940.

©1998-2009 Copyright Southwest Research Institute
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http://www.swri.org/4org/d03/vehsys/vehres/vehres/modeling.htm?
Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.