Continental introduced his driving simulator which will be used to develop new ones tyres, especially for original equipment. The operational phase was preceded by an intense testing period that lasted approximately 12 months. Virtual tire testing saves raw materials and reduces development time. The sistema high-tech, known as a driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulator, calculates the exact driving dynamics parameters for each tire in relation to the respective test vehicle. Thanks to its high maneuverability, the simulator can provide Continental’s professional test drivers with subjective driving sensations comparable to those of tests performed on a real test track.
The new driving simulator for Continental tires: how it works
Here’s how they work virtual tests: the simulator calculates the exact driving dynamics parameters for the tires in relation to the test vehicle. Continental inserts the tire model (which contains specific information such as design, tread and rubber compound) relevant to the customer’s vehicle into the simulator, as was previously the case on the track.
The simulator can evaluate tires suitable for all vehicle and drive variants, for cars and commercial, electric, hybrid and combustion engine vehicles. The main advantage is that the tire parameters can be digitally adjusted at any time. This means that test drives can be repeated at short intervals with immediate feedback on driving impressions compared to the changes made.
The Continental tire experience
Thanks to its large movement platform (4 meters long, 5 meters wide) which features a maximum acceleration of 12 meters per second, test drivers experience all six degrees of freedom of vehicle dynamics, just like on a test track. These include the longitudinal and lateral movements, running motion, yaw, pitch and roll of a vehicle. Professional test drivers are trained to put these driving impressions to work in the development process. This experience is essential to obtain the exact tire configuration required by vehicle manufacturers for each specific vehicle model.
The materials used
Even new materials used in a tire for the first time can be tested with the new simulator. The tests are particularly important, because every time an approved material in a tire is replaced with a new one, its properties and interactions with other materials must be thoroughly studied. Continental therefore guarantees that its tires meet high requirements in the areas of safety as well as rolling resistance and noise development.
Each test cycle completed in the driving simulator instead of on real roads means fewer test tires to produce. The investment in this new testing technology therefore adds to ‘s extensive sustainability activities Continental. The company’s goal is to become the most progressive tire manufacturer in terms of environmental and social responsibility. To this end, Continental is investing significantly in innovative technologies and sustainable products and services across its entire value chain.