LAUSR

Abstract In motion-base driving simulators, the simulator kinematic design is a critical factor for achieving a desired simulation fidelity. This paper presents a method to derive kinematic requirements that a theoretical simulator should meet to best replicate reference maneuvers within a predefined workspace. This method uses a Motion Cueing Algorithm based on Model Predictive Control to calculate the optimal motion of the theoretical simulator. Then, extreme positions, velocities and accelerations of the theoretical simulator are used to derive kinematic requirements. The method was applied to two maneuvers previously recorded in a real car. The quality of the resulting simulator motion and kinematic requirements were evaluated for different workspaces. Results showed that the theoretical simulator was able to replicate the two maneuvers with high quality when the lateral and longitudinal ranges were at least 10 m. Interestingly, there was no evidence that a large vertical range improved the quality of the replicated motion. Furthermore, large yaw range, velocity and acceleration were needed for replicating the recorded maneuvers. These results can help to choose the kinematic characteristics of a real driving simulator.