Carsim-Simulink Co-Simulation Example

This example demonstrates a co-simulation implementation between Carsim and Simulink, featuring S-function interface integration for real-time data exchange. Carsim is a specialized vehicle dynamics simulation software that models complex physical interactions, while Simulink provides a graphical environment for dynamic system modeling and control algorithm development.

The co-simulation framework employs TCP/IP or shared memory communication protocols to synchronize data between Carsim's vehicle dynamics models (including tire characteristics, suspension geometry, and aerodynamics) and Simulink's control systems (such as engine management, transmission control, and braking algorithms). The implementation typically uses Carsim's VS Visualizer API and Simulink's S-function blocks to establish bidirectional data transfer with sample time synchronization.

By integrating these simulation environments, engineers can analyze coupled dynamics-control interactions through parameter sweep studies and sensitivity analysis. This approach enables identification of system-level issues and validation of controller performance under various operational scenarios, facilitated by MATLAB's optimization toolbox for automated parameter tuning.

In this specific implementation, we simulate vehicle response to sudden road surface changes using Carsim's road profile input module and Simulink's state-space controller design. The co-simulation monitors critical parameters including vehicle stability metrics and control system response times, with data logging capabilities for post-processing analysis in MATLAB workspace.