The global leader in engineering simulation, Ansys, announced on Wednesday that to reduce reliance on building and to test physical prototypes - an expensive and time-consuming process - Ford leverages its AVxcelerate Headlamp solution to optimise performance in a virtual environment.
According to the company, its vehicle headlight solution features real-time, physics-based optical simulation and driver-in-the-loop functionality to replicate the physical world with a high degree of predictive accuracy.
Nighttime and low-light conditions decrease visibility for drivers, making it harder to react to wildlife, pedestrians and sudden turns. Ford is testing a new predictive smart headlight system that uses real-time location data to direct beams into upcoming turns, allowing motorists to better see around corners and respond to hazards. But as advanced driver assistance systems permeate more automotive features and increase functionality, an ever-increasing number of scenarios must be accounted for - making physical testing and validation a difficult and complex process.
Empowered by a realistic virtual night driving experience, engineers at Ford can rely on insights gained from simulations to improve product design long before physical headlamp prototypes are available, the company said.
Michael Koherr, Advanced Lighting Research Engineer, Ford Europe, said, 'The predictive accuracy of Ansys simulations yield a variety of significant benefits for our team, from being able to engineer for edge case scenarios to less late-night road tests. With the ability to truly gauge system performance in a virtual environment, we're able to identify opportunities to improve our product well before entering the physical testing stage. Simulation has and will continue to play a critical role in our quest of making driving at night as safe and easy as during the day.'
Shane Emswiler, Senior Vice President, Products, Ansys, said, 'With our solutions, engineers at Ford can quickly test its system under countless scenarios and lighting conditions to help ensure that the first physical prototype is in excellent working condition. Ultimately, that means Ford's technology can spend less time as a concept and more time on the road, reducing accidents and saving lives.'