Road Load Simulation for Propulsion Development

At a glance

Millbrook runs road load simulation and vehicle simulation on its powertrain rigs to accelerate transmission and driveline durability and integration.

See powertrain rig specification

Vehicle on the 4WD Powertrain Test System and powertrain vibration and integration testing facility at Millbrook Proving Ground

High and low voltage electric powertrain systems development testing at Millbrook

Testing McLaren 720S on a 4WD Powertrain Test System and powertrain integration testing facility at Millbrook Proving Ground

Road Load Simulation

Millbrook has extensive experience of track-based product development and engine development in its engine test cells. It applies this knowledge to the development of full powertrains. It runs track and road load simulation and vehicle simulation on its purpose-built 2E and 4E powertrain test rigs to speed-up transmission and driveline durability and integration.

See 2E powertrain rig specification

Millbrook supports the development of the latest powertrain technologies using innovative solutions and its industry-leading facilities and road load simulation and vehicle simulation tools. This gives the advantages of not needing mule vehicles, speeding up the vehicle development phase, completing safety-critical maneuvers in a safe environment, and accelerating and compressing the testing phase.

Drivetrain and driveline testing facility using a 4WD powertrain rig at Millbrook

Benefits of Vehicle and Road Load Simulation at Millbrook

Develop the powertrain before mule vehicles are available to test
Develop the transmission before the engine is available to test
Develop hybrid system integration using battery emulation
Simulate the full vehicle dynamics using dSpace
Run any road drive cycle or track-based durability cycle without prototype vehicle breaking cover
Test the full powertrain at any track with repeatable lap times and performance
Run a full race or season in accelerated time, operating the powertrain 24/7
No need for drivers, teams, tires and logistics required for real-world testing
Vary gear shift points or run in full automatic mode
Apply corner radius to load differential
Simulate tracks prior to events to ensure maximum performance, tuning engine performance for a particular track, regulation or restriction
Optimize fuel consumption at varying tracks and paces
Run repeatable laps whilst making calibration changes to gain data-driven feedback on powertrain efficiency and performance gains