• LABVIEW
  • HIL
  • REAL-TIME

Vehicle Dynamic Sim - High-Performance Dynamic Vehicle Simulator for automotive and motorsport

LabVIEW software for dynamic simulation of racing vehicles, with realistic profiles for test benches and Hardware-in-the-Loop systems

An advanced software simulator developed in NI LabVIEW for dynamic simulation of high-performance vehicles in automotive and motorsport environments.

Available as a stand-alone graphical interface or as a library to integrate into existing LabVIEW projects for Hardware-in-the-Loop systems, test benches and CompactRIO platforms.

Vehicle Dynamic Sim - High-Performance Dynamic Vehicle Simulator for automotive and motorsport

Realistic dynamic simulations for advanced testing

The simulator faithfully reproduces the behavior of racing cars and motorcycles on track, generating realistic usage profiles to validate components and systems in a controlled environment. The solution integrates directly into existing LabVIEW workflows, supporting both interactive testing and full automation of test cycles.

Main features

The software offers a complete environment for vehicle simulation with advanced dynamic models.

Vehicle dynamic models

  • Complete simulation of high-performance racing cars and motorcycles
  • Calculation of speed, acceleration, G forces and steering angles
  • Configurable chassis and tire behavior models
  • Realistic braking and traction profiles

User interface and automation

  • Intuitive graphical interface for manual control of simulations
  • Automatic execution of driving cycles based on real telemetry
  • Direct import of driving profiles from telemetry data
  • Complete logging for analyzing and validating results

LabVIEW integration

  • Source code in pure LabVIEW for maximum flexibility
  • Modular libraries that integrate into existing projects
  • Native CompactRIO compatibility for real-time applications
  • Output to physical actuators through NI DAQ

Hardware-in-the-Loop control

  • Direct interface with physical test benches
  • Real-time synchronization with deterministic I/O systems
  • Control of actuators for engines, transmissions and suspensions
  • Validation of ECUs and vehicle control software

Advantages over the traditional approach

Conventional vehicle tests require real vehicles, tracks and specific conditions that are hard to replicate consistently.

Traditional approachWith the LabVIEW simulator
Track tests with a real vehicleControlled, repeatable simulation
Variable environmental conditionsStandardized test parameters
High costs for test sessionsSignificant reduction in operating costs
Safety risks for drivers and vehiclesFully safe test environment
Difficulty reproducing specific scenariosCustomizable profiles, endlessly repeatable

Typical configuration

The system is based on a modular LabVIEW architecture, with optional hardware interfacing for HIL applications.

Minimum hardware requirements

ComponentSpecifications
Processing systemWindows PC with LabVIEW, or CompactRIO for real-time
RAMMinimum 8GB, 16GB recommended
I/O interfacesNI DAQ for interfacing sensors and actuators
Storage500GB SSD for extended data logging

Software and platform

  • Environment: NI LabVIEW with optional Real-Time and FPGA modules
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/11, NI Linux Real-Time on CompactRIO
  • Note: native LabVIEW development ensures seamless integration with the NI ecosystem

Applications and fields of use

The solution supports a range of applications in the automotive and motorsport sectors.

Powertrain component testing

  • Validation of engine ECUs with realistic load profiles
  • Testing of transmission systems under dynamic stress
  • Characterizing performance under variable operating conditions

Brake system development

  • Simulation of extreme braking scenarios
  • Validation of ABS and stability control algorithms
  • Thermal management testing under continuous load

Motorsport research

  • Optimizing vehicle setup for specific tracks
  • Developing data-driven race strategies
  • Virtual training for drivers and technical teams

Technical specifications

FeatureDetails
Development languageNative NI LabVIEW
Simulation rateUp to 1kHz in real-time mode
Vehicle modelsConfigurable racing cars and motorcycles
Telemetry input formatsCSV, TDMS, proprietary motorsport formats
Supported I/O interfacesNI DAQ, CompactRIO, PXI
Simulated parametersSpeed, acceleration, forces, steering angles
Data loggingNative TDMS with synchronized timestamps
Hardware compatibilityWindows PC, CompactRIO, PXI systems

System requirements

RequirementDetails
Required softwareNI LabVIEW 2019 or later
Optional modulesReal-Time, FPGA, Control Design & Simulation
Operating systemWindows 10/11, NI Linux Real-Time
ConnectivityEthernet for CompactRIO, USB for DAQ

Why choose this simulator

The solution combines the flexibility of LabVIEW with accurate vehicle models, offering a complete test environment for the automotive industry. Its modular approach allows it to scale from simple desktop simulations to complex real-time HIL systems. MET’s experience in integrating LabVIEW systems ensures specialized support and customization for specific needs. The platform is a strategic investment for development teams that need professional simulation tools integrated into their existing workflows.

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