MATLAB Point-Mass Lap Sim

Every year at the beginning of the season, major system wide architecture decisions need to be made before serious design work can begin. For example, the final drive ratio needs to be determined before the gearbox can be designed, however in order to define a final drive ratio for a motor we don't own yet, we need to simulate data. We also need to be able to set goals like mass, or downforce, or drag, for the race car.

Solution

Most lap time simulations can be difficult to set up at the beginning of the year, but a simplified model like a point-mass sim is an easy way to gain data for system architecture parameters like FDR, mass goals, or even aerodynamics goals. While it makes a lot of assumptions, this simple model has been incredibly useful t for providing data on parameters such as frequency of certain loading conditions, or correlating drive ratios with points. It has even helped with providing efficiency and energy targets for the powertrain and battery. This laptime simulator simulates the 4 dynamic events at competition, autocross, endurance, acceration, and skidpad.