Virtual Vehicle Composer

Configure, build, and analyze a virtual automotive vehicle

Since R2022a

Description

The Virtual Vehicle Composer app enables you to quickly configure and build a virtual vehicle that you can use for system-level performance testing and analysis, including component sizing, fuel economy, drive cycle tracking, vehicle handling maneuvers, software integration testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing. Use the app to enter your vehicle parameter data, build a virtual vehicle model, run test scenarios, and analyze the results.

The virtual vehicle model utilizes sets of blocks and reference application subsystems available with Powertrain Blockset™, Vehicle Dynamics Blockset™, and Simscape™ add-ons. Virtual Vehicle Composer simplifies the task of configuring the architecture and entering parameter data.

If you have Powertrain Blockset, use the app to:

Configure conventional vehicle, electric vehicle (EV), and hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) architectures.
Operate the vehicle in test conditions such as FTP cycles.
Analyze design tradeoffs and size components.

If you have Vehicle Dynamics Blockset, use the app to:

Configure passenger cars and analyze their ride-and-handling characteristics by running standard test maneuvers.
Configure and test a motorcycle. Requires a Simscape license.
Visualize your virtual vehicle in the Unreal Engine^® simulation environment.

If you have Simscape and these Simscape add-ons, you can use the app to configure vehicles with Simscape subsystems:

Simscape Driveline™
Simscape Electrical™
Simscape Fluids™
Simscape Multibody™ — Required for motorcycles

To build, operate, and analyze your virtual vehicle, use the Composer tab. The options and settings depend on the available products.

Step	Section		Description
1	Configure	Setup	Specify: Project path and Configuration name Vehicle class Powertrain architecture Model template Vehicle dynamics Click Configure.
2		Data and Calibration	Specify the chassis, tire, brake type, powertrain, driver, and environment. For each selection, enter the parameter data.
3		Scenario and Test	Construct a test plan including one or more virtual vehicle test scenarios. Options include drive cycles for fuel economy and energy management analysis and vehicle handling maneuvers.
4		Logging	Select the model signal data to log while testing your virtual vehicle. Options include energy-related quantities and vehicle position, velocity, and acceleration. You can also set the default signals for further tests.
5	Build	Virtual Vehicle	Build your virtual vehicle. When you build, the Virtual Vehicle Composer creates a Simulink^® model that contains the vehicle and powertrain architectures and parameters you specify and associates it with the test plan.
6	Operate	Run Test Plan	Simulate your model according to your test plan and log the resulting output data. Note To operate the model, on the Composer tab, in the Operate section, click Run Test Plan.
7	Analyze	Simulation Data Inspector	Use the Simulation Data Inspector to view and inspect the data signals that you log. You can store your data for further processing.

Required Products

The Virtual Vehicle Composer requires either of these products:

Powertrain Blockset
Vehicle Dynamics Blockset
With Vehicle Dynamics Blockset you can run your virtual vehicle in the Unreal Engine 3D simulation environment. See the requirements in Unreal Engine Simulation Environment Requirements and Limitations (Vehicle Dynamics Blockset).

If you have Simscape and these Simscape add-ons, you can use the app to configure vehicles with Simscape subsystems.

Simscape Driveline
Simscape Electrical
Simscape Fluids
Simscape Multibody — Required for motorcycles

Open the Virtual Vehicle Composer App

MATLAB^® Toolstrip: On the Apps tab, under Automotive, click the Virtual Vehicle Composer icon.
MATLAB Command Window: Enter virtualVehicleComposer.

Examples

Get Started with the Virtual Vehicle Composer

Parameters

Setup

Start here to quickly enter your virtual vehicle class, powertrain architecture, model template, and vehicle dynamics.

`Project path` — Project location
`C:\Users\username\MATLAB\Projects\examples` (default)

Project location, specified as a character vector.

Note

The combined Project path and Configuration name must be less than 80 characters.

Data Types: char

`Configuration name` — Name of vehicle and test configuration
`ConfiguredVirtualVehicle` (default)

Name of the vehicle and test configuration.

Note

The combined Project path and Configuration name must be less than 80 characters.

Data Types: char

`Vehicle class` — Type of vehicle
`Passenger car` (default) | `Motorcycle`

Use this parameter to specify the vehicle type.

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Passenger car`	✔	✔	Four-wheeled passenger car.
`Motorcycle`		✔	Two-wheeled motorcycle.

Dependencies

If you set Vehicle class to Motorcycle, the app sets the parameter Model template to Simscape.

If you have Simscape and these Simscape add-ons, you can use the app to configure vehicles with Simscape subsystems:

Simscape Driveline
Simscape Electrical
Simscape Fluids
Simscape Multibody — Required for motorcycles

`Powertrain architecture` — Conventional, electric (EV), or hybrid electric (HEV) passenger vehicle. Conventional or electric motorcycle
`Conventional Vehicle` | `Electric Vehicle 1EM` | `Electric Vehicle 2EM` | `Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Front` | `Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Rear` | `Electric Vehicle 4EM` | `Hybrid Electric P0` | `Hybrid Electric P1` | `Hybrid Electric P2` | `Hybrid Electric P3` | `Hybrid Electric P4` | `Hybrid Electric MM` | `Hybrid Electric IPS` | `Conventional Motorcycle with Chain Drive` | `Electric Motorcycle with Chain Drive`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Note

To refer back to your Powertrain architecture diagram, click the Setup tab. You will see the configuration of the system, including motor placement.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Conventional Vehicle`	✔	✔	Vehicle with an SI or CI internal combustion engine, transmission, and corresponding control units. May be FWD, RWD, or AWD.
`Electric Vehicle 1EM`	✔	✔	Vehicle with one electric motor, and battery, driveline, and corresponding control units. May be FWD, RWD, or AWD.
`Electric Vehicle 2EM`	✔		Vehicle with one motor driving the front axle and one motor driving the rear axle; battery, driveline, and corresponding control units.
`Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Front`	✔		Vehicle with two independent motors driving the front axle and one motor driving the rear axle; battery, driveline, and corresponding control units.
`Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Rear`	✔		Vehicle with one motor driving the front axle and two independent motors driving the rear axle; battery, driveline, and corresponding control units.
`Electric Vehicle 4EM`	✔		Vehicle with one independent motor driving each wheel; battery, and corresponding control units.
`Hybrid Electric P0`	✔		Vehicle with P0 hybrid-electric propulsion, including an SI engine, transmission, motor, battery, and corresponding control units.
`Hybrid Electric P1`	✔		Vehicle with P1 hybrid-electric propulsion, including an SI engine, transmission, motor, battery, and corresponding control units.
`Hybrid Electric P2`	✔		Vehicle with P2 hybrid-electric propulsion, including an SI engine, transmission, motor, battery, and corresponding control units.
`Hybrid Electric P3`	✔		Vehicle with P3 hybrid-electric propulsion, including an SI engine, transmission, motor, battery, and corresponding control units.
`Hybrid Electric P4`	✔		Vehicle with P4 hybrid-electric propulsion, including an SI engine, transmission, motor, battery, and corresponding control units.
`Hybrid Electric MM`	✔		Vehicle with multi-mode hybrid-electric propulsion, including an SI engine, transmission, motor, generator, battery, and corresponding control units.
`Hybrid Electric IPS`	✔		Vehicle with input power split hybrid-electric propulsion, including an SI engine, transmission, motor, generator, battery, and corresponding control units.
`Conventional Motorcycle with Chain Drive`		✔	Motorcycle with an SI engine, transmission and chain reduction, and corresponding control units. Requires Simscape.
`Electric Motorcycle with Chain Drive`		✔	Motorcycle with an electric motor, gear and chain reductions, battery, and corresponding control units. Requires Simscape.

If you have Simscape and Simscape add-ons, you can use the app to configure vehicles that incorporate Simscape subsystems, including motorcycles.

`Model template` — Vehicle plant model and powertrain architecture template
`Simulink` (default) | `Simscape`

Use this parameter to specify a Simulink or Simscape vehicle plant model and powertrain architecture. By default, the virtual vehicle uses a Simulink model template.

If you have Simscape and these Simscape add-ons, you can use the app to configure vehicles with Simscape subsystems:

Simscape Driveline
Simscape Electrical
Simscape Fluids
Simscape Multibody — Required for motorcycles

Dependencies

If you set Vehicle class to Motorcycle, the app sets Model template to Simscape. You cannot configure a motorcycle and select Simulink as model template.

`Vehicle dynamics` — Virtual vehicle longitudinal (3 DOF) or combined (6 DOF) dynamics
`Longitudinal vehicle dynamics` (default) | `Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`

Vehicle Class Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Setting	Goal
`Passenger car`	`Longitudinal vehicle dynamics`	Fuel economy and energy management analysis.
`Passenger car`	`Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`	Vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort analysis.
`Motorcycle`	`In-plane motorcycle dynamics`	Fuel economy and energy management analysis.
`Motorcycle`	`Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics`	Motorcycle handling, stability, and ride comfort analysis.

The virtual vehicle uses the Z-up coordinate system as defined in SAE J670 and ISO 8855. For more information, see Coordinate Systems in Vehicle Dynamics Blockset (Vehicle Dynamics Blockset).

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Longitudinal vehicle dynamics`	✔	✔	Three degree-of-freedom (DOF) conventional vehicle model suitable for fuel economy and energy management analysis.
`Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`		✔	Six DOF conventional vehicle suitable for vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort analysis. Not available with `Passenger car` when Model template is set to `Simscape`.
`In-plane motorcycle dynamics`		✔	Three DOF motorcycle model suitable for fuel economy and energy management analysis. The model implements a longitudinal in-plane motorcycle body model to calculate longitudinal, vertical, and pitch motion. Available if you have Simscape and Simscape add-ons.
`Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics`		✔	Six DOF motorcycle suitable for vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort analysis. Available if you have Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

If you set Vehicle class to Passenger car and then set Model template to Simscape, the app sets Vehicle dynamics to Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics.

Data and Calibration

Use the app to quickly set your virtual vehicle parameters, such as chassis and suspension, tires, powertrain, and driver. Select one of the options for each parameter. The available options depend on your Setup selections.

Parameter	Description
Chassis	Select the chassis type. The available options depend on the Vehicle class and Vehicle dynamics settings.
Tire	Select the tire model and tire data. The available options depend on the Vehicle class and Vehicle dynamics settings.
Brake Type	Select the brake type. Use the Brake Control Unit parameter to specify the brake control.
Powertrain	Select the engine, electric motors, transmission, drivetrain, differential system, and electrical system parameters. The available options depend on the Powertrain architecture selected.
Driver/Rider	If you set Vehicle class to `Passenger car`, select the Driver. The parameter setting `Longitudinal Driver` implements a longitudinal speed-tracking controller. If you have Vehicle Dynamics Blockset, you can set Driver to `Predictive Driver` or `Predictive Stanley Driver` to track longitudinal velocity and a lateral displacement relative to a reference pose. If you set Vehicle class to `Motorcycle`, select the Rider. You can set Rider to `Rigid` or to `6DOF and External Forces and Moments`.
Environment	Use the parameter setting `Standard Ambient` to specify the ambient environment.
Steering System	If you set Vehicle class to `Passenger car`, and you have Vehicle Dynamics Blockset and set Vehicle dynamics to `Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`, you can specify the steering system. If you set Vehicle class to `Motorcycle` and set Vehicle dynamics to `Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics`, you can specify the steering system.
Suspension	If you set Vehicle class to `Passenger car`, and you have Vehicle Dynamics Blockset and set Vehicle dynamics to `Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`, you can specify the suspension. If you set Vehicle class to `Motorcycle` and set Vehicle dynamics to `Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics`, you can specify the suspension.

Passenger Car Chassis

`Chassis` — Chassis type
`Vehicle Body 1DOF Longitudinal` | `Vehicle Body 3DOF Longitudinal` | `Vehicle Body 6DOF Longitudinal and Lateral`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Vehicle Body 1DOF Longitudinal`	✔	✔	Chassis model for 1DOF longitudinal vehicle dynamics. Available when you set Vehicle dynamics to `Longitudinal vehicle dynamics`.
`Vehicle Body 3DOF Longitudinal`	✔	✔	Chassis model for 3DOF longitudinal vehicle dynamics. Available when you set Vehicle dynamics to `Longitudinal vehicle dynamics`.
`Vehicle Body 6DOF Longitudinal and Lateral`		✔	Chassis model for 6DOF longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics. Available when you set Vehicle dynamics to `Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

Passenger Car Tire

`Tire` — Model and specifications of tires
`MF Tires Longitudinal` | `Fiala Tires Longitudinal and Lateral` | `MF Tires Longitudinal and Lateral` | `Longitudinal Combined Slip Tire`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`MF Tires Longitudinal`	✔	✔	Tire model suitable for longitudinal vehicle dynamics studies, including fuel economy and energy management analysis.
`Fiala Tires Longitudinal and Lateral`		✔	Tire model suitable for lateral vehicle dynamics studies, including vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort analysis. Implements a simplified tire with lateral and longitudinal slip capability. Uses a translational friction model to calculate the forces and moments during combined longitudinal and lateral slip. Consider this setting if you do not have the tire coefficients needed by the Magic Formula and are conducting studies that do not involve extensive nonlinear combined lateral slip or lateral dynamics.
`MF Tires Longitudinal and Lateral`		✔	Tire models suitable for lateral vehicle dynamics studies, including vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort analysis. Tire model implements the longitudinal and lateral behavior of a wheel characterized by the Magic Formula. You can use Tire Data parameter to specify fitted tire data sets provided by the Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation (GCAPS) for tires, including: `Light passenger car 205/60R15` `Mid-size passenger car 235/45R18` `Performance car 225/40R19` `SUV 265/50R20` `Light truck 275/65R18` `Commercial truck 295/75R22.5`
`Combined Slip Tires Longitudinal`		✔

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

Passenger Car Brake Type

`Brake Type` — Virtual vehicle brakes
`Disc` | `Drum` | `Mapped`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Disc`	✔	✔	Brake model converts the brake fluid pressure into a braking torque.
`Drum`	✔	✔	Brake model converts the brake fluid pressure and brake geometry into a braking torque.
`Mapped`	✔	✔	Brake torque is a mapped function of the wheel speed and the brake fluid pressure.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

`Brake Control Unit` — Brake control
`Open Loop` (default) | `Bang Bang ABS` | `Five-State ABS and TCS`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Open Loop`	✔	✔	Open loop brake control. The controller commands brake pressure as a sole function of the brake command.
`Bang Bang ABS`	✔	✔	Anti-lock braking system (ABS) feedback controller that switches between two states to regulate wheel slip, to minimize the error between the actual slip and the desired slip. Here, the desired slip is the value where the friction coefficient of the tires reaches its maximum.
`Five-State ABS and TCS`	✔	✔	Five-state ABS and traction control system (TCS) that uses logic-switching based on wheel deceleration and vehicle acceleration to control the braking pressure at each wheel. Consider using five-state ABS and TCS control to prevent wheel lock-up, decrease braking distance, or maintain yaw stability during maneuvers. The default ABS parameters are set to work on roads that have a constant friction coefficient scaling factor of 0.6.

Setting

Powertrain Blockset

Vehicle Dynamics Blockset

Description

Open Loop

✔

Open loop brake control. The controller commands brake pressure as a sole function of the brake command.

Bang Bang ABS

✔

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) feedback controller that switches between two states to regulate wheel slip, to minimize the error between the actual slip and the desired slip. Here, the desired slip is the value where the friction coefficient of the tires reaches its maximum.

Five-State ABS and TCS

✔

Five-state ABS and traction control system (TCS) that uses logic-switching based on wheel deceleration and vehicle acceleration to control the braking pressure at each wheel.

Consider using five-state ABS and TCS control to prevent wheel lock-up, decrease braking distance, or maintain yaw stability during maneuvers. The default ABS parameters are set to work on roads that have a constant friction coefficient scaling factor of 0.6.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

Passenger Car Powertrain

`Engine` — Internal combustion engine
`Simple Engine (SI)` (default) | `Simple Engine (CI)` | `CI Engine` | `CI Mapped Engine` | `SI Engine` | `SI Mapped Engine` | `SI Deep Learning Engine` | `FMU Engine`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting

Powertrain Blockset

Vehicle Dynamics Blockset

Description

Simple Engine (SI)

✔

Simplified SI engine model using a maximum torque versus engine speed table, two scalar fuel mass properties, and one scalar engine efficiency parameter to estimate engine torque and fuel flow.

Selecting Simple Engine SI sets the Engine Control Unit parameter to Simple ECU.

Simple Engine (CI)

✔

Simplified CI engine model using a maximum torque versus engine speed table, two scalar fuel mass properties, and one scalar engine efficiency parameter to estimate engine torque and fuel flow.

Selecting Simple Engine CI sets the Engine Control Unit parameter to Simple ECU.

CI Engine

✔

Compression-ignition (CI) engine modeled from intake to the exhaust port.

Selecting CI Engine sets the Engine Control Unit parameter to CI Engine Controller.

CI Mapped Engine

✔

Mapped CI engine model using power, air mass flow, fuel flow, exhaust temperature, efficiency, and emission performance lookup tables.

Selecting CI Mapped Engine sets the Engine Control Unit parameter to CI Engine Controller.

If you have the Model-Based Calibration Toolbox™, you can generate a static calibration. Select from options on Calibrate from Data. For more information, see Calibrate Mapped CI Engine Using Data.

SI Engine

✔

Spark-ignition (SI) engine modeled from intake to exhaust port.

Selecting SI Engine sets the Engine Control Unit parameter to SI Engine Controller.

SI Mapped Engine

✔

Mapped SI engine model using power, air mass flow, fuel flow, exhaust temperature, efficiency, and emission performance lookup tables.

Selecting SI Mapped Engine sets the Engine Control Unit parameter to SI Engine Controller.

If you have the Model-Based Calibration Toolbox, you can generate a static calibration. Select from options on Calibrate from Data. For more information, see Calibrate Mapped SI Engine Using Data.

SI Deep Learning Engine

✔

Deep learning SI engine.

Available if you have the Deep Learning Toolbox™ and Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox™ licenses. Use this setting to generate a dynamic deep learning SI engine model to use for powertrain control, diagnostic, and estimator algorithm design.

Selecting SI Deep Learning Engine sets the Engine Control Unit parameter to SI Engine Controller.

FMU Engine

✔

The functional mockup unit (FMU) engine implements an FMU block with these engine inputs and outputs.

Inputs

Outputs

Torque command

Engine RPM

Brake torque

Fuel flow

Air flow

Exhaust gas temperature

Air fuel ratio

Brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC)

Crank angle

To implement the FMU engine model:

Set Engine to FMU Engine.
Use Browse to select the FMU file.
Select Read to verify the FMU inputs and outputs.
- If verification passes, the number of FMU inputs and outputs matches the signals in the FMU Import subsystem.
- If verification warns, the number of FMU inputs and outputs does not match the signals in the FMU Import subsystem. However, you can still import the FMU file and manually connect the signals.
Select Import to integrate the FMU in the virtual vehicle FMU Import subsystem.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

`Transmission` — Virtual vehicle transmission
`Ideal Fixed Gear Transmission` | `Automatic Transmission with Torque Converter` | `Automated Manual Transmission`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Ideal Fixed Gear Transmission`	✔	✔	Idealized fixed-gear transmission without a clutch or synchronization. Use this setting to model the gear ratios and power loss when you do not need a detailed transmission model.
`Automatic Transmission with Torque Converter`	✔		Automatic transmission with planetary gears and a torque converter.
`Automated Manual Transmission`	✔		A manual transmission with additional actuators and an electronic control unit (ECU) to regulate clutch and gear selection based on commands from a controller. Clutch and synchronizer engagement rates are linear and adjustable.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Passenger car.
Set Powertrain architecture to any of these options:
- Conventional Vehicle
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P0
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P1
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P2
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P3
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P4

`Transmission Control Unit` — Virtual vehicle transmission control
`PRNDL Controller`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`PRNDL Controller`	✔	✔	Controller that executes forward, reverse, neutral, park, and N-speed gear shifts according to the selected shift schedule. You can supply multiple schedules and select them using a block input.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Passenger car.
Set Powertrain architecture to any of these options:
- Conventional Vehicle
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P0
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P1
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P2
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P3
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle P4

`Drivetrain` — Virtual vehicle drivetrain
`Front Wheel Drive` (default) | `Rear Wheel Drive` | `All Wheel Drive`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Front Wheel Drive`	✔	✔	Drives both wheels on the front axle.
`Rear Wheel Drive`	✔	✔	Drives both wheels on the rear axle.
`All Wheel Drive`	✔	✔	Drives all four wheels.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

`Front Differential System` — Final drive ratio and differential action
`Open Differential` (default) | `Active Differential` | `Limited Slip Differential`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Open Differential`	✔	✔	Implements differential action with equal torque to both wheels.
`Active Differential`	✔	✔	Couples active elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias. Not available if you set Model template to `Simscape`.
`Limited Slip Differential`	✔	✔	Couples passive friction elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias.

Setting

Powertrain Blockset

Vehicle Dynamics Blockset

Description

Open Differential

✔

Implements differential action with equal torque to both wheels.

Active Differential

✔

Couples active elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias.

Not available if you set Model template to Simscape.

Limited Slip Differential

✔

Couples passive friction elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Vehicle class to Passenger car and Drivetrain to Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive.

`Rear Differential System` — Final drive ratio and differential action
`Open Differential` (default) | `Active Differential` | `Limited Slip Differential`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Open Differential`	✔	✔	Implements differential action with equal torque to both wheels.
`Active Differential`	✔	✔	Couples active elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias. Not available if you set Model template to `Simscape`.
`Limited Slip Differential`	✔	✔	Couples passive friction elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias.

Setting

Powertrain Blockset

Vehicle Dynamics Blockset

Description

Open Differential

✔

Implements differential action with equal torque to both wheels.

Active Differential

✔

Couples active elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias.

Not available if you set Model template to Simscape.

Limited Slip Differential

✔

Couples passive friction elements to an open differential to achieve the desired axle torque bias.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Vehicle class to Passenger car and Drivetrain to Rear Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive.

`Axle Interconnect` — Coupling between front and rear axles
`Transfer Case` (default)

Coupling between front and rear axles, specified as a transfer case.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Vehicle class to Passenger car and Drivetrain to All Wheel Drive.

`DC-DC Converter` — Power electronics device to change voltage of supplied current
`DC-DC Converter` (default) | `No DC-DC Converter`

DC-to-DC converter that supports bidirectional boost and buck (lower) operations.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Vehicle class to Passenger car and Powertrain architecture to one of these options:

Electric Vehicle xEM, where x is 1, 2, or 4
Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Front
Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Rear
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Px, where x is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4
Hybrid Electric Vehicle MM
Hybrid Electric Vehicle IPS

`Electric Machine x` — Virtual vehicle electric motor
`Electric Vehicle 1EM` | `Electric Vehicle 2EM` | `Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Front` | `Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Rear` | `Electric Vehicle 4EM` | `Hybrid Electric Vehicle P0` | `Hybrid Electric Vehicle P1` | `Hybrid Electric Vehicle P2` | `Hybrid Electric Vehicle P3` | `Hybrid Electric Vehicle P4` | `Hybrid Electric Vehicle MM` | `Hybrid Electric Vehicle IPS`

Virtual vehicle electric machine settings for motor in location x as seen on the Powertrain architecture diagram on the Setup pane.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Vehicle class to Passenger car and Powertrain architecture to one of these options:

Electric Vehicle xEM, where x is 1, 2, or 4
Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Front
Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Rear
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Px, where x is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4
Hybrid Electric Vehicle MM
Hybrid Electric Vehicle IPS

`Energy Storage` — Virtual vehicle energy storage type
`Mapped Battery` | `Ideal Voltage Source`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Mapped Battery`	✔	✔	Open-circuit voltage and internal resistance are mapped functions of the state-of charge (SOC) and battery temperature
`Ideal Voltage Source`	✔	✔	Constant-voltage source with infinite storage capacity

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, set Vehicle class to Passenger car and Powertrain architecture to one of these options:

Electric Vehicle xEM, where x is 1, 2, or 4
Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Front
Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Rear
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Px, where x is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4
Hybrid Electric Vehicle MM
Hybrid Electric Vehicle IPS

`Vehicle Control Unit` — Vehicle system to direct the energy flows in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles
`EV 1EM with BMS` | `EV 2EM` | `EV 3EM Dual Front` | `EV 3EM Dual Rear` | `EV 4EM` | `HEVP0 Optimal` | `HEVP1 Optimal` | `HEVP2 Optimal` | `HEVP3 Optimal` | `HEVP4 Optimal` | `HEVMM RuleBased` | `HEVIPS RuleBased`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Powertrain Architecture	Description
`EV 1EM with BMS`	✔	✔	`Electric Vehicle 1EM`	Controls the motor with torque arbitration and power management. Implements regenerative braking.
`EV 2EM`	✔		`Electric Vehicle 2EM`
`EV 3EM Dual Front`	✔		`Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Front`
`EV 3EM Dual Rear`	✔		`Electric Vehicle 3EM Dual Rear`
`EV 4EM`	✔		`Electric Vehicle 4EM`
`HEVP0 Optimal`	✔		`Hybrid Electric Vehicle P0`	Implements an equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) to control the energy management of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The strategy optimizes the torque split between the engine and motor to minimize energy consumption while maintaining the battery state of charge (SOC). Implements regenerative braking.
`HEVP1 Optimal`	✔		`Hybrid Electric Vehicle P1`
`HEVP2 Optimal`	✔		`Hybrid Electric Vehicle P2`
`HEVP3 Optimal`	✔		`Hybrid Electric Vehicle P3`
`HEVP4 Optimal`	✔		`Hybrid Electric Vehicle P4`
`HEVMM RuleBased`	✔		`Hybrid Electric Vehicle MM`	Controls the motor, generator, and engine through a set of rules and decision logic implemented in Stateflow^®. Implements regenerative braking.
`HEVIPS RuleBased`	✔		`Hybrid Electric Vehicle IPS`

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

Passenger Car Driver

`Driver` — Virtual vehicle driver
`Longitudinal Driver` | `Predictive Driver` | `Predictive Stanley Driver`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Longitudinal Driver`	✔	✔	Implements a longitudinal speed-tracking controller.
`Predictive Driver`		✔	Tracks longitudinal velocity and a lateral displacement relative to a reference pose. Available when you set Vehicle dynamics to `Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`.
`Predictive Stanley Driver`		✔	Adjusts the steering angle command to match the current pose of a vehicle to a reference pose, given the vehicle's current velocity and direction. Available when you set Vehicle dynamics to `Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics`.

Setting

Powertrain Blockset

Vehicle Dynamics Blockset

Description

Longitudinal Driver

✔

Implements a longitudinal speed-tracking controller.

Predictive Driver

✔

Tracks longitudinal velocity and a lateral displacement relative to a reference pose.

Available when you set Vehicle dynamics to Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics.

Predictive Stanley Driver

✔

Adjusts the steering angle command to match the current pose of a vehicle to a reference pose, given the vehicle's current velocity and direction.

Available when you set Vehicle dynamics to Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Passenger car.

Passenger Car Steering System

`Steering System` — Virtual vehicle steering
`Kinematic Steering` | `Mapped Steering` | `Dynamic Steering` | `Steering System` | `No Steering`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Kinematic Steering`	✔	Kinematic model for ideal rack-and-pinion steering. Gears convert the steering wheel rotation into linear rack motion.
`Mapped Steering`	✔	Mapped rack-and-pinion steering model.
`Dynamic Steering`	✔	Dynamic model for ideal rack-and-pinion steering. Gears convert the steering wheel rotation into linear rack motion.
`Steering System`	✔	Steering system for Ackerman and rack-and-pinion steering mechanisms.
`No Steering`	✔	No steering.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Passenger car.
Set Vehicle dynamics to Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics.

Passenger Car Suspension

`Suspension` — Virtual vehicle suspension system
`Kinematics and Compliance Independent Suspension` | `MacPherson Front Suspension Solid Axle Rear Suspension` | `Kinematics and Compliance Twist Beam Suspension` | `No Suspension`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Kinematics and Compliance Independent Suspension`	✔	Kinematics and compliance (K & C) test suspension characteristics measured from simulated or actual laboratory suspension tests.
`MacPherson Front Suspension Solid Axle Rear Suspension`	✔	Independent MacPherson front suspension and solid rear axle.
`Kinematics and Compliance Twist Beam Suspension`	✔	Kinematics and compliance characteristics of: Independent suspension on front axle. Twist-beam suspension on rear axle.
`No Suspension`	✔	No suspension.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Passenger car.
Set Vehicle dynamics to Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics.

Motorcycle Chassis

`Front Tire` — Linear front tire
`Linear Front SSC Tire` (default)

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Linear Front SSC Tire`		✔	Tire with linear force and moment model, using Simscape modeling.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

`Rear Tire` — Linear rear tire
`Linear Rear SSC Tire` (default)

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Linear Rear SSC Tire`		✔	Tire with linear force and moment model, using Simscape modeling.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

`Front Brake Type` — Brake type
`Disc` (default) | `Drum` | `Mapped`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Disc`	✔	Brake model converts the brake fluid pressure into a braking torque.
`Drum`	✔	Brake model converts the brake fluid pressure and brake geometry into a braking torque.
`Mapped`	✔	Brake torque is a mapped function of the wheel speed and the brake fluid pressure.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

`Rear Brake Type` — Brake type
`Disc` (default) | `Drum` | `Mapped`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Disc`	✔	Brake model converts the brake fluid pressure into a braking torque.
`Drum`	✔	Brake model converts the brake fluid pressure and brake geometry into a braking torque.
`Mapped`	✔	Brake torque is a mapped function of the wheel speed and the brake fluid pressure.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

`Brake Control Unit` — Brake control
`Open Loop` (default) | `Bang Bang ABS` | `Five-State ABS and TCS`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Open Loop`	✔	Open loop brake control. The controller commands brake pressure as a sole function of the brake command.
`Bang Bang ABS`	✔	Anti-lock braking system (ABS) feedback controller that switches between two states to regulate wheel slip, with the aim of minimizing the error between the actual slip and the desired slip. Here, the desired slip is the value where the tires' friction coefficient reaches its maximum.
`Five-State ABS and TCS`	✔	Five-state ABS and traction control system (TCS) that uses logic-switching based on wheel deceleration and vehicle acceleration to control the braking pressure at each wheel. Consider using five-state ABS and TCS control to prevent wheel lock-up, decrease braking distance, or maintain yaw stability during maneuvers. The default ABS parameters are set to work on roads that have a constant friction coefficient scaling factor of 0.60.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

`Steering System` — Steering
`Steering` (default) | `No Steering`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Steering`	✔	Handlebar-steered front fork on a frame-mounted revolute joint.
`No Steering`	✔	Steering angle fixed at zero.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.
Set Vehicle dynamics to Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics.

`Steering Damper` — Damper
`Simple Damper` (default) | `No Damper`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`No Damper`	✔	No damping.
`Simple Damper`	✔	Torsional damper about steering axis, with linear viscous damping.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.
Set Vehicle dynamics to Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics.

`Front Suspension` — Motorcycle suspension
`Simple Spring and Damper Suspension` (default)

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Simple Spring and Damper Suspension`		✔	Telescoping fork with linear spring and damper.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.
Set Vehicle dynamics to Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics.

`Rear Suspension` — Motorcycle suspension
`Simple Spring and Damper Suspension` (default)

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Simple Spring and Damper Suspension`		✔	Swing arm with linear spring and damper.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane:

Set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.
Set Vehicle dynamics to Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics.

Motorcycle Powertrain

`Propulsion System` — Motorcycle propulsion system
`Simple Engine` | `Mapped Engine` | `Moto Electrical System`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Simple Engine`	✔	Simplified SI engine model using a maximum torque versus engine speed table, two scalar fuel mass properties, and one scalar engine efficiency parameter to estimate engine torque and fuel flow. Available when you set Powertrain architecture to `Conventional Motorcycle with Chain Drive`.
`SI Mapped Engine`	✔	Mapped SI engine model using power, air mass flow, fuel flow, exhaust temperature, efficiency, and emission performance lookup tables. Available when you set Powertrain architecture to `Conventional Motorcycle with Chain Drive`.
`Moto Electrical System`	✔	Electric propulsion system. Available when you set Powertrain architecture to `Electric Motorcycle with Chain Drive`.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

`Chain` — Motorcycle chain and sprocket drive system
`Chain Drive` (default)

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Chain Drive`		✔	Inextensible chain which meshes with front and rear sprockets. Rear sprocket is mounted to wheel with a torsional damper.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

Motorcycle Rider

`Rider` — Rider type
`Rigid` (default) | `6DOF and External Forces and Moments`

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Rigid`	✔	Rider implemented as a rigid body so that their relative motion to the motorcycle frame is zero. No crouching, and their lean angle is the same as the motorcycle frame.
`6 DOF and External Forces and Moments`	✔	Rider body implemented with six degrees-of-freedom (DOF) relative to the motorcycle frame. Able to lean and crouch independently of frame.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

`Rider Control` — Motorcycle control type
`Open Loop` (default)

The parameter options depend on the available products. This table summarizes the options available with Powertrain Blockset and Vehicle Dynamics Blockset.

Setting	Powertrain Blockset	Vehicle Dynamics Blockset	Description
`Open Loop`		✔	Steering of front fork as prescribed by test scenario.
*Motorcycle configuration options require Simscape and Simscape add-ons.

Dependencies

To enable this parameter, on the Setup pane, set Vehicle class to Motorcycle.

Environment

`Environment` — Virtual vehicle environment
`Standard Ambient`

The parameter setting Standard Ambient implements an ambient environment model.

Scenario and Test

Assemble a test plan for your virtual vehicle.

If you set Scenario to Drive Cycle, you can use:

Drive cycles from predefined sources. By default, the block includes the FTP–75 drive cycle. To install additional drive cycles from the support package, see Install Drive Cycle Data. The support package has drive cycles that include the gear shift schedules, for example, JC08 and CUEDC.
Workspace variables that define your own drive cycles.
.mat, .xls, .xlsx, or .txt files.
Wide open throttle (WOT) parameters, including initial and nominal reference speeds, deceleration start time, and final reference speed.

For a Passenger car, if you have Vehicle Dynamics Blockset and set Vehicle dynamics to Combined longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics, you can select maneuvers for vehicle handling, stability, and ride analysis. Maneuvers include:

Increasing Steer
Swept Sine
Sine with Dwell
Fishhook

For a Motorcycle, if you set Vehicle dynamics to Out-of-plane motorcycle dynamics, you can select maneuvers for vehicle handling, stability, and ride analysis. Maneuvers include:

Steady Turning
Handle Hit

If you want to run your virtual vehicle in the Unreal Engine 3D simulation environment, set 3D Scene Selection to 3D Scene. For hardware requirements, see Unreal Engine Simulation Environment Requirements and Limitations (Vehicle Dynamics Blockset).

Logging

On the Logging tab, select the signals to log. The app has a default set of signals in the Selected Signals list. The default list depends on the vehicle configuration. You can add or remove signals. Options include energy-related quantities, and vehicle position, velocity, and acceleration.

Build

Click Virtual Vehicle to build your vehicle. When you build, the Virtual Vehicle Composer app creates a Simulink model that incorporates the vehicle architecture and parameters that you have specified and associates it with the test plan you configured.

The build takes time to complete. View progress in the MATLAB Command Window.

Operate

To operate the model, on the Composer tab in the Operate section, click Run Test Plan.

The simulations take time to complete. View progress in the MATLAB Command Window.

Analyze

Click Simulation Data Inspector to view and analyze simulation signals you chose to log during operation.

If your test plan includes more than one test scenario, the Simulation Data Inspector displays the results from the last scenario. To see results from earlier scenarios, load the archived results.

Programmatic Use

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