Design of a vehicle simulation based hardware in the loop testing system for automotive powertrains

Because of the constant push for faster development time and less expensive testing methods it is advantageous to be able to use a vehicle chassis simulation in order to control powertrain testing procedures. This paper describes a system that uses a software based parameterized vehicle model to control the operation of powertrain test cell hardware as a part of a real-time simulation. The CarSim vehicle simulation software is used to provide a vehicle model that can be changed easily in order to allow testing of many different chassis and powertrain combinations. A control VI is programmed in the LabView environment that integrates a dynamometer test stand with the vehicle simulation. The result is a testing method that is more versatile and more realistic than traditional steady state or transient powertrain testing. This method does not negate the importance of traditional testing methods but does provide a better means of studying the important interactions between a vehicle chassis and its powertrain.