Optimization of Formula 1 Engine Torque Delivery with New Real Time Simulation Methods

Authors

Ing. P. Martinelli, Ing. N. Cavey, Ing. M. Bollini, Ferrari Gestione Sportiva, Maranello; Dr. P. Schöggl, Dipl.-Ing. F. Mundorff, Dipl.-Ing. M. Dank, AVL List GmbH, Graz

Year

2003

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 539

Summary

Current F1 engine control systems include complex functions and maps for throttle control, injection and ignition, variable inlet, traction and launch control systems. Many functions influence directly the engine behaviour but also indirectly the car handling and the tyres wear. Many of these functions must be calibrated for a particular race track. Mapping all these variables during the race weekend would lead to an unacceptable delay. Ferrari uses new simulation technologies to support preoptimisation on powerful highly dynamic test beds. This paper describes a new real time simulation package VSM (Dynamic Real Time Vehicle Simulation Model) for the simulation of the dynamic behaviour of a Formula 1 car by using a high dynamic dynamometer. Main target of VSM is to simulate dynamic vehicle load behaviour for the engine. The realistic simulation of the car behavior on each part of the track, including wheel slip and jumping over kerbs, allows to optimise engine calibration in the simulation and on the dynamic test bed. The paper describes the requirements on torque behaviour in various engine operating areas and examples of calibrate improvements achieved by using VSM. As you all know, Formula One regulations are changing for the FIA 2003 Championship with the twin aims of reducing costs and increasing attractiveness for spectators. The use of electronic driving supports like traction control, launch control and automatic gear boxes will be discontinued from the 2003 British GP (at Silverstone on 16-18/July). From the engine side, this will affect mainly the steady and transient torque behaviour at part and full load. The presence or absence of traction control makes a significant difference for controlling a Formula 1 engine at the car’s limit. The vehicle simulation model will have to be adapted to the regulation changes.

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