Driver in Loop (DIL) Simulator Development

Photos above are from video released by GM showing the Nascar cockpit.

Description:

I worked with a team of engineers at PME to support the General Motors IndyCar DIL program. This program includes development of the physical DIL cockpit which the driver sits in, and the background physics model that runs in the simulation environment. The goal of this project was to provide a driver with a simulation realistic enough to practice with prior to a race weekend. This ensured that vehicle setup changes could be properly evaluated before physical testing (saving time and cost). The system physics model takes driver inputs from the DIL rig, processes them as a multi-body environment, and outputs movements to the physical rig. Physics model were written in Dymola software, including Modelica and VDLMotorsports packages. I led various team projects including vehicle kinematic / dynamic design validations, analytical model validation, tire modelling, 7-post vehicle response validation, and driver cue algorithm development.  

While working as a trackside support engineer to Team Penske, I supported team DIL test trough the 2015-2018 seasons, primarily working with drivers Simon Pagenaud, Helio Castroneves, Will Power, Joesph Newgarden, and Juan Pablo Montoya. Prior to test sessions, I was responsible for building vehicle physics models as well as provide lap time simulation results to validate performance. During testing I worked closely with team race engineers to validate / quantify vehicle responses from setup changes, and record driver feedback to aid future development.

Above: GM video showing Nascar simulation environment. IndyCar details not public.