Vehicle Simulation Research Center

PTI's Vehicle Simulation Research Center (VSRC) is one of the few university-owned vehicle simulation research facilities in the United States. The center is a focal point for research pertaining to vehicle handling, braking, rollover and control, as well as tire dynamics simulation using Artificial Neural Networks and non-linear FEA packages, such as Pam-System and LSDYNA. The center also owns and operates the Penn State Truck Driving Simulator. The center provides researchers with the means to examine heavy and light vehicle dynamics and related highway safety issues. The VSRC also offers educational and training opportunities for students, transportation officials and the public. The VSRC, which is under the direction of PTI's Vehicle Systems and Safety Program, and Transportation Operations Program was established in January 1998 with support from PTI, the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the College of Engineering, and Penn State's Intercollege Research Programs. The center provides Penn State and PTI with the capabilities to respond to the growing interest of industry, the research community and the public in highway and vehicle safety issues.

Throughout the years VSRC researchers continued efforts to expand and modernize the center's capabilities. Mechanical engineering and materials studies students have engaged in a number of complex research projects, such as tire modeling, rollover, virtual crashes with light and heavy vehicle dynamics using non-linear finite element techniques, multibody dynamics and in-house built software. The center has organized several seminars and symposiums with national and international organizations, such as ASME, SAE and ESI France to demonstrate its research capabilities. The Penn State Truck Driving Simulator became a part of a senior mechanical engineering course to enhance this new technology and improve students' knowledge in the field of vehicle dynamics and simulation techniques.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation funded the initial research study that utilized the Truck Driving Simulator for driver training purposes. This application of the center's facilities is one example of the considerable public service benefits available through the Vehicle Simulation Research Center.