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CAE Tools for Car Performance Modifications?

Posted by Cliff on from the you-think-that-rear-spoiler-is-cool dept.

RevHead asks: "Although after-market performance modification of cars is a discipline which claims a significant following all over the world, most of the information available on the topic tends to be more of anecdotal nature. To add to this and the plethora of conflicting information out there, most of the tips and techniques tend to be of 'do it and see if it works' type of experimentation. I am interested in the simulation approach prior to actual experimentation to get a decent picture of what to expect during the experimentation phase, which IMHO should be safer and more cost-effective. Has anyone resorted to this approach (successfully) when it comes to engine modification, suspension design, aerodynamic performance and emission control? If so what software is available for these tasks? Which are the most popular/most effective? Does anyone know of any public-domain automotive engine models available for CAE applications such as Catia and ADAMS?"

5 of 223 comments (clear)

  1. Does GT3 count? by still_sick · · Score: 4, Funny

    You learn important lessons. That if you ever get a dodge viper, putting in the most powerful NA Tune-up makes it pretty much undrivable. Remember that the next time you're modding your Viper in RL.

    --
    ...Also, I didn't know Buggalo could fly.
  2. Darwin awards, here we come... by stienman · · Score: 3, Funny

    Wait, don't tell me - let me guess:

    A friend has come across a few military HARM boosters, you live in the desert, there's an old mine nearby, and you wann see if you can make your big 'ol SUV go as fast as a sports car as quickly... Right?

    You don't need fancy-schmancy software. Just make sure your friend gets the first test ride. And double check the brakes, k?

    -Adam

  3. try a new cpu by brer_rabbit · · Score: 3, Funny

    All cars these days have microprocessors of some sort inside of them. These control anti-lock brakes, cruise control, etc etc. Lots of these are processors are small 8 bit micros, like the Motorola 68HC11. These chips run at only a few megahertz, and are very slow by todays standards.

    One thing to try is overclocking the CPUs. But I doubt you'll get more than 8 or 10 MHz out of one of those things. What I'd suggest is reverse engineering the car's electronics. If you could drop in a new AMD processor in there and get a big performance enhancement.

    ok, I'm kidding. But you think hot rodding a '97 Honda Civic with a boat spoiler is any less a waste of time and money?

    1. Re:try a new cpu by NanoGator · · Score: 3, Funny

      "If you could drop in a new AMD processor in there and get a big performance enhancement."

      Wouldn't that drastically dim my headlights?

      --
      "Derp de derp."
  4. You forgot one! by GuyMannDude · · Score: 4, Funny

    Race Car Aerodynamics: Designing for Speed
    by Joseph Katz

    Don't forget:

    21st Century Automotive Engineering: CAE In The Post-9/11, Post-Columbine Era
    by John Katz

    There goes some karma for sure... :)

    GMD

    --
    watch this