Siemens Digital Industries Software and rFpro have jointly developed a simulation capability that integrates Siemens’ Simcenter Tire software with rFpro’s TerrainServer, which provides a millimeter-accurate digital model of the road surface.
The interface enables 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 accurate simulations of how a tyre interacts with the road, a key requirement in virtual testing for both automotive and motorsport development.
Both companies collaborated to ensure reliable performance across desktop, cloud and real-time simulations. By continuously integrating third-party solutions, customers can leverage technologies from multiple vendors without being locked into proprietary ecosystems.
“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 specialized 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 tire and vehicle dynamic performance before prototypes are manufactured, significantly saving time and cost.