Modeling and Simulation of a PC-Based Driving Simulator

This paper describes the simulation and control of a PC-based driving simulator that is constructed by five hydraulic cylinders and can perform five degree-of-freedom(DOF) motions. The mathematical equations of vehicle dynamics are derived from the 2-DOF bicycle model and incorporated with the tire, steering and suspension sub-systems. These equations of motion are then programmed by MATLAB, transferred into C++ code in MIDEVA environment, and further developed into motion platform control program by C++ Builder. In addition, virtual reality environment is projected onto a 72" screen to present the street scene and simulate the sixth DOF motion of a vehicle, and can be employed either in off-line analysis and simulations or on-line simulations. In the future, a road surface model and other more complicated vehicle dynamics models will be incorporated, and a pressure vest will be installed to stimulate the driver to feel the longitudinal translation.