How to Enhance DIL Simulators: Increase Fidelity with CFD

In our previous blog post, ‘How to Run an Aero-Map in CFD’ we outlined how Bramble’s workflow makes it simple to set up aero-maps efficiently and with confidence. If you haven’t read it yet, we recommend checking it out, especially if you’re working with Driver-in-the-Loop (DIL) simulators to optimise race car performance.

Today, we’re going one step further. This post focuses on a critical application of aero-maps: increasing the fidelity of DIL simulators using CFD. For motorsport teams, where the smallest performance gains can decide a race outcome, accuracy in simulation is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity.

aero-maps table to be used for Driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulators

The challenge: making DIL simulators reflect reality

Driver-in-the-Loop simulators have become a cornerstone of modern motorsport. They are used not only for driver training and familiarisation but also for vehicle development and pre-event preparation. A well-calibrated simulator enables drivers to rehearse circuits, engineers to trial different setups, and teams to explore “what-if” scenarios without turning a wheel on track.

But there’s a catch. The usefulness of a simulator hinges on one critical factor: accuracy. If the model fails to capture the way the car truly behaves, then the insights it provides risk being misleading. A driver may adapt to characteristics that don’t exist in reality, or engineers may make setup choices that don’t translate effectively to the circuit.

So the question is: how do we bring DIL simulators as close to reality as possible? The answer lies in high-fidelity aero-maps generated through CFD.

The power of high-fidelity aero-maps

A race car in motion experiences an extraordinary range of dynamic conditions during every lap:

Braking
Acceleration
Cornering

As a result of these factors, the chassis attitude and ride height are continuously affected. Consequently, the aerodynamic loads are in a constant state of flux. This is where CFD, particularly bramble, comes into play.

Increasing fidelity with CFD

By leveraging bramble’s advanced CFD capabilities, we can create highly accurate aero-maps that capture these dynamic changes. To illustrate, here’s how this would elevate your DIL simulator:

Enhanced Accuracy: High-fidelity aero-maps provide a more precise representation of vehicle behavior throughout a lap.
Better Correlation: The increased accuracy leads to improved correlation between simulator data and real-world track data.
Improved Decision Making: With more reliable data, teams can make better-informed decisions about vehicle setup and race strategy.
Enhanced Driver Training: Drivers can experience more realistic simulations, better preparing them for actual race conditions.

Streamlining the process with bramble

At this point, you might be wondering, “This sounds great, but won’t creating these detailed aero-maps be time-consuming?” This is where bramble truly shines.

Our innovative workflows, featuring kinematics setups and advanced mapping capabilities, streamline the aero-map creation process. What once took days can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time.

The result? A significant boost in productivity and, ultimately, performance.

Conclusion: elevate your simulations

To sum up, in the competitive world of motorsports, every advantage counts. By using bramble to increase fidelity with CFD in your DIL simulators, you’re not just improving a tool – you’re enhancing your entire development and training process.

Contact us today for a personalised demonstration of how bramble can revolutionise your simulation workflow.