How can you use virtual testing to optimize automotive engineering?

1 Choose a virtual testing software

The first step is to choose a suitable virtual testing software that meets your needs and objectives. There are many options available, depending on the level of detail, complexity, and accuracy you require. Some of the most popular virtual testing software for automotive engineering are ANSYS, Simulink, CarMaker, and AVL. You should compare the features, benefits, and costs of different software and select the one that best fits your project.

4 Set up your testing scenarios and cases

The fourth step is to set up your testing scenarios and cases that simulate the situations and environments you want to test your vehicle in. You can use predefined scenarios and cases from your virtual testing software or create your own custom ones. You should vary the parameters and inputs to cover a wide range of possibilities and test the robustness and sensitivity of your vehicle. You should also define the outputs and metrics that you want to monitor and record during your testing.

5 Run your virtual tests and analyze the results

The fifth step is to run your virtual tests and analyze the results. You can run your tests in batch mode or interactive mode, depending on the level of control and feedback you want. You can also run your tests in parallel or sequential mode, depending on the complexity and interdependence of your cases. You should review the results and compare them with your objectives and criteria. You should also look for any errors, anomalies, or trends that may indicate potential problems or opportunities for improvement.

6 Optimize your vehicle design and performance

The final step is to optimize your vehicle design and performance based on the results of your virtual testing. You can use various optimization techniques and tools, such as design of experiments, sensitivity analysis, or genetic algorithms, to find the optimal combination of parameters and inputs that maximize your outputs and metrics. You can also use validation techniques and tools, such as verification, calibration, or correlation, to ensure that your virtual model and results match the real-world behavior and data of your vehicle. You should repeat the virtual testing and optimization cycle until you achieve your desired results and goals.