MOTION-BASED SIMULATION SIMCRAFT APEX
Recognising the severe limitations of the old
hexapod method of motion simulation, in 1997 SimCraft’s founder conceived a simplified fixed axis, constant c of g, low inertia approach. SimCraft’s APEX technology
focuses on exposing drivers to high-fidelity representations of the key vehicle dynamics they need to experience to connect with the virtual environment. Its independent axis structure, with fixed mutually perpendicular axes of rotation, distinguishes it from the hexapod-type systems. When coupled with SimCraft’s control software, it creates real feelings of understeer, oversteer and tyre adhesion limit. APEX systems also reproduce
pallet and set up in an office environment. It can work on the power from a normal wall socket and the simplicity applies to the data processing, too. There has to be some filtering to remove the granularity of the digital data feed but, with the yaw input, angle equals angle so there is no complex processing to be done.
BRD ‘We are not replicating, we are simulating,’ says Tim Ball of Ball Racing Developments. He makes the point that you cannot reproduce the loads experienced in a racecar without using an enormously large and complex simulator, and that is not necessarily what is required anyway. ‘It’s about engagement of the mind,’ he explains. ‘In some areas there is no way you are going to be able to replicate reality, so you have to trick it. Sometimes it can be the small things, such as the vibration of the engine and the noises. If your brain doesn’t have all those things then it can quickly disengage.’ The BRD simulator platform
predominantly operates in two planes, longitudinal and lateral, with tooted belts driven by servo motors moving the tub in the horizontal planes. This simplifies the task of generating
vehicular kinetics (all bar g force), offering a natural feel and real-time adjustability, while the adaptability of SimCraft’s software allows for applications in all levels of motorsport. Five-time rally champion
and rally school owner, Tim O’Neil, who uses the SimCraft system had this to say about it: ‘The independent axis motion of the APEX, particularly the yaw capability, has proven very valuable in training car control technique in high speed, loose-surface driving. The main USP’s compared to a big platform is better fidelity, versatility and value. It provides a more organic feel with low infrastructure demands and reduced costs.’ Gemma Hatton
g forces but, when the travel runs out, there is no transition to gravity taking over. However, Ball believes this is not a problem. ‘It’s all about confusing the mind and, if the mind is correctly confused, you have the sim right. ‘We cannot maintain high g but it’s about change of g rather than sustained g. We found drivers like the raw sensation, the engagement.’ This informs all his thinking on simulation and it seems that once you relinquish the desire to replicate reality, it is very liberating. ‘Regardless of how mathematically correct a system seems, unless it engages the driver, it’s not going to work.’ What Ball likes about the
separate planes of motion is the ability to build the simulation in layers. He claims it makes the processing simpler and improves response times. BRD came to simulation
through the entertainment route, providing rigs for corporate hospitality. These were originally static, but soon started to incorporate features like steering feedback. Early motion experiments involved wheeling a blindfolded driver around in a tub on castors to see what drivers were able to experience. But they eventually extended to running their own Formula BMW team to
Ball Racing Developments’ (BRD) Pure Tech Racing centre in the UK offers a multi-driver simulator experience, with minor yaw and vertical movement
collect data and inform the development process. The latest version can now yaw and deliver a small amount of vertical movement to help cue a pitch response in the driver. These are used in BRD’s latest venture, the Pure Tech Racing centre at Horley, UK, where 10 simulators are hooked up to create a full race experience against other competitors. It may be unashamedly entertainment but the aspiration is for much more.
The simulation can be ramped up in intensity as drivers
improve and the centre has a club encouraging visitors to hone their skills. Ball believes that if drivers become proficient on the simulation, they could step straight into a wings and slicks single seater and be competent on a real track.
BRD supplies simulator technology to the motorsport industry, right up to Formula 1. Currently, a Formula 3 standard simulator would cost between £110,000 and £120,000 ($177,300-$193,400), depending on the visual system specified by the customer.
September 2011 •
www.racecar-engineering.com 37
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