CAE Tools for Car Performance Modifications?

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?"

Comments

Rapid Line....

[MrWinkey]

These guys make a great one... Does nearly everything you could want I belive. I do not know if it does engine calibrations but it does most of your design work for you. It's great for engine and suspension building.

http://www.rapidline.com/calc/

Automotive engineering is science

[Y2K is bogus]

You make a lot of assumptions.

I know plenty of auto related companies, and I can tell you that it's far from "guesstimation". They don't just go off half assed and do something, there is a lot of engineering principle behind their products.

You asked about aerodynamics, engines, and mechanicals. In each of these areas there is a lot of work.

Aerodynamics is one of the most visible parts of design, and there is very little in the way of guessing (except, umm, for those tasteless wings and stuff that people put on their cars). A good source of information on Aerodynamics can be found via books. Specifically:

Fiberglass & Composite Materials: An Enthusiast's Guide to High Performance Non-Metallic Materials for Automotive Racing and Marine Use
by Forbes Aird

Aerodynamics for Racing and Performance Cars
by Forbes Aird

Competition Car Downforce: A Practical Guide
by Simon McBeath

Race Car Aerodynamics: Designing for Speed
by Joseph Katz

I have the Aird books, and they're very good.

Mechanical engineering is well understood and followed, especially by Cal Poly. The FSAE contests are a great proving grounds for designs.

Books by Forbes Aird and Carroll Smith are really good points to start with. The Smith books are phenomenally thorough and put you in awe. That guys has FORGOTTEN more, than most people KNOW. The Aird book is more down to earth and easier to read than the Smith books, both authors are tremendously entertaining.

Here are some books:

Race Car Chassis: Design and Construction
by Forbes Aird

Tune to Win
by Carroll Smith

Carroll Smith's Nuts, Bolts and Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook
by Carroll Smith

Engineer to Win: The Essential Guide to Racing Car Materials Technology or How to Build Winners Which Don't Break
by Carroll Smith

How to Make Your Car Handle
by Fred Puhn

For engines and mechanical systems, I find that periodicals on the subject are very informative. I learned most of what I know about engines from reading Mustang magazines. There are books out there on rebuilding engines and performance.

Here are some good books:

Turbochargers
by Hugh MacInnes

Mustang Performance Handbook : Engine and Drivetrain Modifications for Street, Drag Strip or Road Racing Use. Covers All Models of the Ford Mustang, 1979 to present.
by William R. Mathis

Ford Fuel Injection & Electronic Engine Control : All Ford/Lincoln-Mercury Cars and Light Trucks 1988 to 1993
by Charles O. Probst

Fuel Injection: Installation, Performance Tuning, Modification
by Jeff Hartman

And finally, if you want to do engine simulation on the bench, err, computer, check out Desktop Dyno 2000. It's from Motion Software, costs $50 with the Cam-Disk CD (over 2000 cam profiles). It's a great program, however like all software, garbage in, garbage out. If you expect to get reasonable data from the program, you must supply it with reasonable data.