Siemens and rFpro Launch New Tyre-Road Simulation Solution

·       New interface links Siemens’ Simcenter Tire MF-Tyre and MF-Swift tyre models with rFpro’s high-resolution road surface via TerrainServer

·       Solution enables objective and subjective assessment of vehicle dynamics, saving significant time and cost

·       Enhances accuracy of tyre and vehicle development in both automotive and motorsport applications

rFpro and Siemens Digital Industries Software (Siemens) have jointly developed a new simulation capability that integrates Siemens’ Simcenter Tire software with rFpro’s TerrainServer, which provides a millimetre-accurate digital model of the road surface.

The new interface allows the MF-Tyre and MF-Swift models in Simcenter Tire to directly interrogate rFpro’s TerrainServer surface data and calculate tyre forces and moments for vehicle models. It enables highly-accurate simulations of how a tyre interacts with the road, a key requirement in virtual testing for both automotive and motorsport development.

rFpro and Siemens collaborated closely on the integration to ensure reliable performance across a range of use cases, including desktop, cloud-based and real-time simulations. The partnership supports rFpro’s agnostic approach of keeping its simulation platform open, giving users the flexibility and choice to work with their preferred models and systems.

By continuously integrating third-party solutions, rFpro ensures its customers can leverage best-in-class technologies from multiple vendors without being locked into proprietary ecosystems. This flexibility provides a greater return on investment as the assets can be leveraged across multiple departments and their varying vehicle and tyre modelling needs.

"We aim to be the most open simulation environment on the market and this integration is another key example of this," said Nick Harrison, Development Director at rFpro. "Our platform-agnostic approach means engineers can pick and choose the best tools for the job. They have the ability to combine specialised technologies from different vendors to create the most effective simulation solution for their particular development challenge."

rFpro’s TerrainServer delivers high-resolution road surface data for digital models of real-world locations, such as public roads, proving grounds and testing circuits. When used in combination with Siemens’ Simcenter Tire, it allows engineers to evaluate handling, ride and grip characteristics. Results can be assessed both objectively through data analysis and subjectively via driver-in-the-loop simulators. This provides a more informed assessment of tyre and vehicle dynamic performance before prototypes are manufactured, significantly saving time and cost.

“Tyre behaviour depends heavily on the surface it’s interacting with. By integrating our Simcenter Tire software with rFpro’s TerrainServer, engineers can now simulate that interaction with a much higher level of detail,” said Willem Versteden, Senior Technical Product Manager at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “It’s a valuable step forward for users demanding greater accuracy in virtual vehicle development.”

The new interface is now available to rFpro and Siemens customers, supporting a wide range of simulation use cases. The solution is already seeing strong uptake in automotive programmes focused on ride comfort and vehicle dynamics across OEM and Tier 1 in multiple countries.