Maplesoft has introduced the MapleSim Driveline Component Library, a collection of components for driveline modelling applications. Built with the involvement of several transmission manufacturers, this MapleSim add-on covers all stages in the powertrain, from the engine to the differential, wheels, and road loads, as well as vehicle dynamics.
MapleSim is a physical modelling and simulation tool built on a foundation of symbolic computation technology. By using MapleSim together with the MapleSim Driveline Component Library, engineers can mix the best of physical models and empirical data to maximise model fidelity, optimise designs, and improve overall vehicle fuel efficiency.
One major advantage of this library is that the components use an acausal approach to model development, where the user can simply connect the components together in the required configuration without worrying about issues like torque direction and load flow. These issues are resolved automatically by the underlying solver. This makes it much easier, and significantly faster, to produce models of any complex transmission configuration from prebuilt components, compared to using traditional signal-flow simulation tools.
The library also provides an option that allows power losses to be readily incorporated into the model, either through external calculations or through the use of empirical look-up tables. For example, energy loss in the powertrain can occur due to tooth meshing, bearing friction, slip, and other factors. This approach allows the user to maximise the fidelity of the model while introducing losses in a manner that best reflects how the loss data was acquired during testing.
