rFpro and Siemens Digital Industries Software (Siemens) have jointly developed a simulation capability that integrates Siemens’ Simcenter Tire software with rFpro’s TerrainServer, which provides a millimeter-accurate digital model of the road surface.
The interface enables the MF-Tyre and MF-Swift models in Simcenter Tire to directly interrogate rFpro’s TerrainServer surface data and calculate tire forces and moments for vehicle models. It enables accurate simulations of how a tire interacts with the road, a key requirement in virtual testing for both automotive and motorsport development.
rFpro and Siemens collaborated to ensure reliable performance across desktop, cloud and real-time simulations. By continuously integrating third-party solutions, customers can leverage technologies from multiple vendors without being locked into proprietary ecosystems.
“We aim to be the most open simulation environment on the market, and this integration is another key example of this,” said Nick Harrison, development director at rFpro. “Our platform-agnostic approach means engineers can pick and choose the best tools for the job. They have the ability to combine specialized technologies from different vendors to create the most effective simulation solution for their particular development challenge.”
rFpro’s TerrainServer delivers high-resolution road surface data for digital models of real-world locations, such as public roads, proving grounds and testing circuits. When used in combination with Siemens’ Simcenter Tire, it allows engineers to evaluate handling, ride and grip characteristics. Results can be assessed both objectively through data analysis and subjectively via driver-in-the-loop simulators. This provides a more informed assessment of tire and vehicle dynamic performance before prototypes are manufactured, significantly saving time and cost.
“Tire behavior depends heavily on the surface it’s interacting with. By integrating our Simcenter Tire software with rFpro’s TerrainServer, engineers can now simulate that interaction with a much higher level of detail,” said Willem Versteden, senior technical product manager at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “It’s a valuable step forward for users demanding greater accuracy in virtual vehicle development.”
In related news, Nexen Tire introduces driving simulator to accelerate tire development
