A unique feature of this software is that it allows the user to redesign his or her race car. You can quickly change the arm angles and arm lengths by simply typing in new values. This allows you to make improvements to your car and see the results on the computer.
Chassis Setup Software
This software is the result of advanced research in race car dynamics and was designed to help the racer find the optimum base setup for specific tracks. The program is a much needed tool that will calculate the "balance" of the chassis for ideal weight distribution in the turns using a unique patented process. The user can quickly see how the front and rear of the car are working and match the efforts of both ends by making changes to the spring rates, roll center locations (front and rear), and weight distribution.
The result is a car that has both suspension systems in harmony and working together, which is what all race cars need. The necessary data for the calculation is easy to enter, and the process of finding the best setup is fast and accurate. When properly done, the results will show on the racetrack through not only added speed in the turns, but more consistency on long runs and throughout changing track conditions.
William C. Mitchell Software Mitchell's Racing by the Numbers suspension geometry programs have been used for 20 years by racing teams around the world. The latest program, WinGeo3, is available for the Windows operating system. It is a complete, three-dimensional suspension kinematic program for double A-arm, MacPherson strut, and a variety of solid axle suspensions, including three-link, four-link, and truck arm. Steering may be rack-and-pinion or drag link.
The user can manipulate the chassis in ride height, body roll, pitch angle, and steering input. WinGeo3 displays all of the suspension characteristics, including camber, toe, caster, kingpin, instant center, roll center, Ackermann, and side-view swing-arm (SVSA) values. The results are displayed on the screen as well as in tables or plots. The user can manipulate the chassis to specific positions or run through a range of values to mimic the movement of the car through a turn or to produce a bumpsteer curve.
Chassis position can be specified by ride and roll values, by spring or shock displacement, or by clearance values.
WinGeo3 can compare two or more suspensions. The suspension is displayed with solid-model graphics that aid visualization of the suspension. WinGeo3 also includes suspension tutorials that display the lines needed to calculate an instant center or roll center.
The Premier/Data version of WinGeo3 uses on-board data to specify the chassis position through shock displacement and steering input. This capability can animate suspension movement for a complete lap or at a specific position on the track.
An upcoming version will add a vehicle dynamics capability, allowing the user to specify springs and bars and calculate a steady-state solution for specified g-forces. This will allow the user to calculate dynamic wheel loads with a variety of springs and chassis settings.
The Racing by the Numbers series of programs also includes a gearing program, a brake calculator, and the Debrief3 data analysis program.
Performance Trends is a software company that has developed some innovative packages for understanding your car's setup and motor combinations. Here are the software programs that are most appropriate for the circle track racer.
Roll Center Calculator
This is a simple two-dimensional front suspension layout program. It calculates roll center position, camber change, and wheel rates from spring rates for double A-arm or MacPherson strut suspensions. It lets you move the suspension through dive and roll and watch the roll center move and the camber change.