Simscape Essentials for Automotive Student Teams

The submission introduces a set of models to get the automotive student teams started with physical modeling using Simscape™.

Simscape Essentials for Automotive Student Teams

The submission introduces a set of models and supported video tutorials to get the automotive student teams started with physical modeling using Simscape™. Here is the link to the tutorial video series - Simscape Essentials for Automotive Student Teams. Referring to these models, students participating in competitions (Formula Student, BAJA competitions, Solar Challenge, etc.) can perform powertrain simulations, develop thermal cooling systems, battery cooling systems, etc.

The tutorial video series will help you get started with the fundamentals of vehicle development for student competitions like Formula Student using Simscape™.

1. Longitudinal Vehicle Motion: https://youtu.be/FurgUbg_0zQ?si=uv-iPPJfcw1fOlvd
2. Electric Powertrain: https://youtu.be/GtxbWL_Z2Bc?si=YQjtTGli4VI9DZQQ
3. Motor Cooling System: https://youtu.be/pFKwL9Y5D6I?si=AQCCSlua1TcNIwxd

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Note

Please note that the models in this submission are built using real physical components present in Simscape. However, if users want a complete vehicle framework that they can parameterize with their own data please check out the following products: Powertrain Blockset™ and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset™.

Models

longitudinalMotion.slx

The model simulates the vehicle motion on a terrain. It consists of a Simscape Vehicle Body block that represents a two-axle vehicle body in longitudinal motion. The model has been used as vehicle body to design to build the powertrain and the cooling system.

Note: By default, all the models are built using Tire (Simple) block. To replace it with the Tire (Magic Formula) block follow the steps below:

• Open the "Vehicle" subsystem
• Open the "Chassis and Tires" subsystem
• Click the annotation "model with Magic Formula Tires." This will open the "chassisTires_lib" library.
• Replace the "Chassis and Tires" subsytem with the "Chassis and Tires Magic Formula" subsystem present in the "chassisTires_lib" library.

electricPowertrain.slx

The model simulates an electric vehicle model to track a reference drive cycle. It consists of a Simscape Motor and Drive (System Level) block to represents a generic motor and drive operating in torque-control mode, or equivalently current-control mode. Student teams can use this model to size the motor, battery and other electrical components and can also estimate the battery SOC and SOH.

Note: By default, all the models are built using Tire (Simple) block. To replace it with the Tire (Magic Formula) block follow the steps below:

• Open the "Vehicle" subsystem
• Open the "Chassis and Tires" subsystem
• Click the annotation "model with Magic Formula Tires." This will open the "chassisTires_lib" library.
• Replace the "Chassis and Tires" subsytem with the "Chassis and Tires Magic Formula" subsystem present in the "chassisTires_lib" library.

motorCooling.slx

The model simulates a motor cooling system. It consists of Simscape™ Fluids™ Thermal Liquid and Gas blocks to model the cooling circuit. Student teams can utilize this model to size the components of the cooling system.

How to open the models

Run the startup_SimscapeEssentialsAuto script to open the HTML startup file. From the HTML page, users can select the model they want to run.

Additional resources for complete vehicle network

Models in this submission are built using real physical components present in Simscape™, and designed to help you learn how to use the schematic-based modeling language Simscape provides. Users can explore the complete vehicle framework examples, such as this EV Reference Application available in the following product: Powertrain Blockset™.

Product Requirements

1. MATLAB®
2. Simulink®
3. Simscape™
4. Simscape™ Electrical™
5. Simscape™ Fluids™
6. Simscape™ Battery™
7. Simscape™ Driveline™
8. Powertrain Blockset™