Project Overview
Building upon the MATLAB lapsim foundation from the previous year, I led the development of an integrated MATLAB Simulink-based simulation framework that advances from steady-state to transient simulations. Collaborating extensively with powertrain and vehicle dynamics teams, this comprehensive model captures the complex interactions between electrical systems, vehicle dynamics, and thermal management in real-time simulation environments.
Previous Work: This advanced framework builds upon the MATLAB lapsim from the previous year, evolving from steady-state to transient simulation capabilities.
Transition to Transient Simulation
The integrated Simulink model represents a paradigm shift from steady-state lap time prediction to comprehensive transient analysis:
- Real-time simulation of dynamic vehicle behavior during cornering and acceleration
- Capture of transient thermal effects and component heating/cooling
- Analysis of electrical system dynamics and power delivery variations
- Integration of driver control systems and vehicle response feedback
- Multi-physics coupling between electrical, mechanical, and thermal domains
Powertrain Integration & Architecture
Working closely with the powertrain team, I integrated their existing electrical system models into the simulation framework. While I didn't develop the original battery, inverter, and motor models, I gained deep understanding of their functionality and successfully replicated them for different powertrain architectures:
Powertrain Model Integration
Integrated existing battery, inverter, and motor models into the Simulink framework, understanding their behavior and validation requirements
Architecture Replication
Successfully replicated the powertrain models for DTI and Fischer configurations, adapting them for different electrical architectures
Vehicle Dynamics Integration
Leveraging the track maps developed in previous years, the vehicle dynamics team integrated advanced multi-body simulation:
- Vi-grade Integration: Professional vehicle dynamics software for detailed suspension and tire modeling
- Adams Co-simulation: Multi-body dynamics simulation for complex vehicle behavior analysis
- Track Map Utilization: Applied previously developed 2D track models for accurate path following
- Real-time Coupling: Seamless integration between Simulink and external dynamics solvers
Thermal Management & Cooling
I integrated thermal analysis using powertrain efficiency calculations:
Efficiency-Based Cooling Loads
Correlated cooling requirements with real-time powertrain efficiency calculations for accurate thermal management
Transient Thermal Analysis
Modeled component heating and cooling during dynamic driving conditions
Driver Models & Control Systems
Implemented advanced driver control algorithms for comprehensive vehicle evaluation:
Technical Implementation
The integrated framework represents the culmination of cross-disciplinary simulation development:
Simulation Results & Architecture
The integrated model provides unprecedented insight into vehicle performance:
Endurance event simulation showing comprehensive vehicle performance over extended race distances
Complete system architecture showing integration of powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and control systems
Detailed plant model structure illustrating the multi-domain simulation framework
Current Status & Development
This integrated simulation framework remains actively developed and serves as the primary tool for UTFR's vehicle development:
- Continuous refinement of model accuracy and correlation with real-world testing
- Integration of additional sensor models and control system variants
- Expansion to support autonomous driving algorithm development
- Serving as foundation for future advanced simulation capabilities
- Cross-team collaboration platform for integrated vehicle development
Related FSAE Projects
OptimumLap Lap Simulation & Drive Ratio Optimization
2023As drivetrain lead for the UT23 electric FSAE vehicle, advanced the team's simulation capabilities by pioneering comprehensive track mapping and points-based analysis for drive ratio optimization. While not the first to use OptimumLap, established systematic validation of tire models through autocross and endurance testing correlation.
Impact: Optimized drive ratios for electric FSAE vehicle across 4 international competitions, improving acceleration and top speed performance through validated simulation models
MATLAB Lap Simulation Development
2024Led the transition from commercial OptimumLap software to custom MATLAB lapsim framework, collaborating with suspension team to implement TTC tire models and establishing foundation for advanced vehicle dynamics simulation.
Impact: Established foundation for advanced simulation with 5% accuracy improvement through TTC tire model integration and custom MATLAB framework development
2024 Cooling System Design & Thermal Optimization
2024Advanced thermal management optimization using CFD analysis and experimental validation, building on the 2023 foundation with significantly improved routing and component placement to achieve 10% cooling efficiency improvement and 5°C temperature reduction.
Impact: Achieved 10% cooling efficiency improvement and 5°C motor temperature reduction through CFD-driven design optimization
