Michelin advances tire development simulation with new acquisition

Clermont-Ferrand – Michelin has stepped up its efforts in digital tire development with the acquisition of a lap-time simulation company Canopy Simulation.

The UK-based company offers “one the market’s most sophisticated simulation software tools”, said Michelin in a statement 17 May.

The cloud-based system combines circuit, car and tire models with a trajectory optimisation function to simulate the input of “the perfect virtual driver”.

The software, said Michelin, can evolve and take increasingly detailed and varied driver models into account for both racetrack and road development applications.

When used for motorsport purposes, the virtual driver performs the basic tasks, such as a simulated four-hour stint at Le Mans to evaluate tire-consistency.

In the case of road tires, the technology enables car manufacturers to reproduce a variety of driver profiles, in addition to different car and tire usages.

Michelin said the acquisition is part of its data-driven activities, which also include thermodynamic ‘tame tire’ software that replicates how tires deform.

The in-house Michelin technology can also replicate how tire parameters, such as those linked to raw materials are influenced by temperature fluctuations.

Michelin expects software-based R&D to optimise work with partners, reduce environmental footprint and provide “real savings” compared with traditional processes.