Hello,

The creators of X-Plane flying simulator have implemented the Blade Element Theory to improve their aerodynamics engine to the next level. Instead of treating the plane as one object and using one equation for calculating the drag and lift, they dissect the plane into many individual pieces...

Quote :

X-Plane works by reading in the geometric shape of any aircraft and then figuring out how that aircraft will fly. It does this by an engineering process called “blade element theory”, which involves breaking the aircraft down into many small elements and then finding the forces on each little element many times per second. These forces are then converted into accelerations, which are then integrated to velocities and positions… Of course, all of this technical theory is completely transparent to the end user… you just fly! It’s fun! (How X-Pane Works)

This approach would improve LFS simulation especially at high speeds, where the effect of car's aerodynamics is most prominent.

Here's the video.



If this theory could be used for propeller and wings in planes, why not on car body and tires too? The tire could be dissected into many pieces to calculate the grip.

Thank you,
Marino

Quote from Marino108 :

If this theory could be used for propeller and wings in planes, why not on car body and tires too? The tire could be dissected into many pieces to calculate the grip.

I'm sure Scawen already have a pretty good idea of which approach to pick when it comes to tire physics.

Quote from Marino108 :

If this theory could be used for propeller and wings in planes, why not on car body and tires too? The tire could be dissected into many pieces to calculate the grip.

LFS these days:


You’re welcome.

Blade element theory is useful only for calculating forces acting upon a flying airfoil. Calculating tyre grip is a completely different ballgame and Scawen already has a pretty good approach to that. Also, there is this "new tyre physics" that may be released some day

Anyway, interesting breakthrough in the word of computer simulators.