MATLAB Tire Simulation
GUI-driven tire characterization suite for Lehigh FSAE β Magic Formula fitting, slip-angle sweeps, and export for vehicle models.
Project focus
Vehicle testing & simulation
Key Features
Magic Tire Formula fitting
Interactive MATLAB GUI
Python post-processing export
Scope of work
Build a tire data processing suite for Lehigh Formula SAE at the request of the team captain:
- Import raw tire rig data (lateral force vs. slip angle)
- Fit curves using MATLAB Magic Tire Formula implementations
- Provide GUI for engineers to explore compromises between peak grip and linearity
- Export processed coefficients for vehicle simulation and setup sheets
- Optional Python pipeline for batch reprocessing
Timeline
| Phase | Window | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Summer 2019 | Align with vehicle dynamics lead on inputs/outputs |
| Core fitting | Summer 2019 | Magic formula scripts + validation plots |
| GUI layer | Aug 2019 | Interactive exploration for non-coders on team |
| Export path | Aug 2019 | Python bridge for downstream vehicle model |
Stack & BOM
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| MATLAB | Fitting, GUI, visualization |
| Python | Batch export and matrix overflow checks |
| Tire rig CSVs | Source measurements |
GitHub LehighRacing/simulation | Shared team tooling |
Deliverables
- Magic formula fitting pipeline
- MATLAB GUI for slip-angle vs. lateral force review
- Python processing script for exported modes
- Documentation for vehicle dynamics handoff
Outcomes
- Reduced manual spreadsheet fitting before setup meetings
- Gave drivers and dynamics leads a shared visualization for tire compromises
- Established pattern later reused in spool statics and DAQ analysis workflows
Assumptions
- Rig data calibrated and labeled consistently
- GUI users trained on slip sign conventions β inverted axes cause expensive arguments
Completed on: Aug 25, 2019