Simulation specialist Ansible Motion’s latest driver-in-the-loop (DiL) simulator, the Delta S3, has been selected by Continental to aid its engineers in consistently and repeatedly testing tires across an array of virtual terrains, locations, scenarios and seasons. According to its developers, the Delta S3 features an increased motion space alongside a higher resolution than previous models to enable manufacturers to accurately benchmark tires in a virtual world.
Continental says that by 2030 it aims to become the most progressive tire manufacturer in terms of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. With the Delta S3 simulator, the company seeks to reduce its real-world testing by an estimated 100,000km per year and use 10,000 fewer tires during the development stage.
Ansible’s latest DiL simulator combines immersive simulation motion and vision systems to enable the development and validation of complex powertrain mixes, alongside the testing of safety and driver technology. The simulation equipment will give Continental the ability to test and validate multiple versions of tire compounds and constructions sustainably, while finding solutions to improve grip, wear and fuel efficiency.
“Developing and testing premium tires is a highly complex, time-intensive process. By using the new dynamic driving simulator, we will make this development process even more efficient in the future,” commented Boris Mergell, head of research and development in the tires business unit at Continental. “We want to actively shape the virtual development process in the automotive industry in the tire sector as well. The new simulator combines state-of-the-art technology with the vast experience of our professional test drivers. Continental is one of the pioneers in the use of this innovative, hybrid test technology.”
When used for tire development and validation, the Delta S3 will ensure that motions can be sustained for a longer duration to guarantee the most realistic experiences, such as two-lane car maneuvers, driving on varying surfaces, different weather scenarios, and tight and long cornering. Furthermore, the S3 can be used for subjective and objective ride and vehicle dynamics testing of electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrain vehicles. The system is also capable of fast response times to meet the demands of professional development drivers.
“For passenger and commercial vehicles, tires are the components that connect the driver to the road. Developments in simulation and modeling are enabling tire manufacturers to quickly assess multiple iterations of their products in the simulator – many more than you could attempt in real-world testing,” says Kia Cammaerts, founder of Ansible Motion. “Our DiL simulator enables tire engineers to be more creative, unlocking the key performance differentiators of grip, wear and low rolling resistance in a more sustainable way.”
Full specifications of Ansible Motion’s Delta S3 will be released later in April, alongside further order announcements ahead of production beginning in Q4 2021.
