Introduction:
Last fall, NASCAR driver Ryan Preece’s terrifying crash at Daytona International Speedway was a stark reminder of the dangers of stock car racing. However, Preece’s safe exit highlighted the importance of NASCAR’s safety upgrades, including head and neck restraints, all belts to seats, cockpit structure, and window nets. Simulation plays a crucial role in enabling NASCAR to continuously evolve its Next Gen vehicle designs to mitigate risk on the track. This article will explore how simulation technology has revolutionized NASCAR’s safety measures and vehicle designs to ensure the safety of drivers.
NASCAR’s premier racing event, the Cup Series, features the Next Gen stock car built on a standardized parts platform. The Gen-7 car is the latest iteration of the Cup Series vehicle, featuring two V-8 engine packages, a low-downforce spoiler, an upgraded braking system, and an independent rear suspension. The redesign of the Gen-7 car aimed to make NASCAR racing more compelling for fans and more cost-effective for teams. The new car parts and carbon composite body increase durability and flexibility while offering distinct styling for Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
Simulation software, such as Ansys LS-DYNA, has revolutionized NASCAR’s approach to crash testing and vehicle design. By utilizing LS-DYNA, NASCAR engineers can conduct hundreds or thousands of simulations to assess different crash scenarios that race cars may encounter. Running simulations in Ansys Cloud Direct enables the development team to optimize designs before committing to physical crash tests, saving time and reducing costs. The rigorous testing and virtual crash scenarios ensure the safety and performance of the Next Gen vehicle platform.
The use of advanced human body surrogate models in simulation allows NASCAR to evaluate the restraint system, safety mechanisms, and injury mitigation systems in race cars. By modeling drivers in a virtual environment, the team can study occupant response in various crash test scenarios, analyze injury metrics, and incorporate safety systems to minimize the risk of injury. Through simulations with crash test dummies, NASCAR can enhance driver safety and ensure that everyone walks away unscathed from on-track incidents.
Modeling drivers in a virtual environment enables the team to study occupant response in different crash test scenarios, analyze injury metrics, and incorporate safety systems to reduce the risk of injury. By using advanced human body surrogate models and simulation software, NASCAR can optimize the safety features of their race cars to protect drivers in case of on-track incidents. The extensive simulations and virtual testing ensure that NASCAR’s safety measures are robust and effective in preventing injuries.
As NASCAR continues to prioritize safety and innovation in its vehicle designs, simulation technology remains a crucial tool for enhancing driver protection on the track. The upcoming episode of the docuseries “Driven by Simulation” will explore how automotive suppliers APTIV and Infineon are leveraging simulation to develop software systems for the future of transportation. By shifting gears and embracing simulation technology, NASCAR and other automotive industries are driving towards a safer, more efficient future for racing and beyond.