Chassis characterization & model creation

From real vehicle behavior to reliable simulation-ready models

Simulation can cut costs and development time, but confident chassis decisions depend on trusted inputs.
Capturing real vehicle behavior is essential to building high‑fidelity simulation models that support robust design decisions.

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MICHELIN SIMIX supports vehicle development teams by turning physical vehicle behavior into validated, simulation-ready models that engineers can trust:

Build confidence in simulation results
Reduce the gap between simulation and real-world behavior
Support data‑driven chassis design decisions at an early stage

What we do

MICHELIN SIMIX provides an engineering service dedicated to characterizing vehicle and chassis behavior through static, dynamic and instrumented measurements, and transforming these measurements into reliable models for simulation.

This service is designed for situations where simulation results lack relevance, real vehicle behavior is not fully understood, or decisions rely on assumptions rather than validated data.

It builds on Michelin’s long-standing expertise in vehicle dynamics, chassis engineering and measurement, combined with robust modeling practices, to support confident engineering decisions throughout vehicle development.

scope of characterization

Depending on project needs, the service can include:

Static characterization:

Kinematics & Compliance (K&C), center of gravity, inertias, torsional stiffness, steering system characteristics, damper characteristics, static alignment, full K&C maps, springs and dampers.

Instrumented dynamic measurements:

Loads measured on instrumented tracks, aerodynamic measurements in real driving conditions, mechanical balance assessment.

On-track measurements with driver:

Instrumented vehicle maneuvers with onboard measurements and objective / subjective correlation.

Model creation and validation process:

Static and track measurements, virtual K&C, offline simulation, validation and comparison loops between measurements and simulation.

What is addressed

Uncertainty in chassis and vehicle behavior
Lack of confidence in simulation inputs and results
Gaps between simulation predictions and real-world response
Late discovery of chassis-related issues during testing phases

By grounding models in measured data, the service helps teams move from assumptions to validated understanding.

what you will get

Simulation-ready vehicle and chassis models reflecting real behavior
Access to a complete set of static and dynamic vehicle measurements (on request)
Correlated data through structured validation and comparison loops
Actionable engineering insights to guide design, tuning and trade-offs

How it works

Defining the scope

Alignment on vehicle configuration, development objectives and use cases to define the appropriate characterization and modeling scope.

Physical measurements

Static, dynamic and instrumented measurements are performed to capture the real behavior of the vehicle and its subsystems.

Model creation

Measured data are translated into structured, simulation-ready models compatible with compatible with market-standard vehicle simulation environments.

Validation and delivery

Models are corelated & validated on our DIL simulator and/or in real conditions on track and delivered with the level of confidence required for simulation and decision-making. 

Build simulation models you can trust for chassis decision-making.

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Resources

Why NVH performance starts with a Tire Wheel Cavity Modal Model

A technical deep dive explaining how tire, wheel and cavity interactions contribute to interior noise and why system-level analysis is required to address NVH challenges.

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Turing Inc. using system-level simulation to address complex NVH challenges

Learn how Turing Inc. leveraged MICHELIN SIMIX expertise to better understand noise phenomena and support informed engineering decisions in advanced vehicle development projects.

Read the customer story

Frequently asked questions

When should chassis characterization be considered ?

When a vehicle needs to be characterized statically or dynamically, when reliable measurements are required to build or validate a model, or when confidence in simulation results is insufficient.

Who is this service for ?

For vehicle dynamics, chassis and simulation teams who need real, instrumented data to support development and decision-making.

How does this service reduce the gap between simulation and reality ?

By combining measured data, virtual representation and validation loops, ensuring models accurately reflect real vehicle behavior.

Does this replace internal measurement capabilities ?

MICHELIN SIMIX can develop a complete vehicle model from start to finish: from measurement through modeling and validation. This approach is ideal for teams without in‑house measurement resources. At the same time, we can step in at any stage of the process to complement existing capabilities when needed.

Related services

This service is often combined with other SIMIX engineering services to support vehicle development at system level.

Track assessment

Detect chassis handling and stability issues before qualification, through structured instrumented track evaluation combined with expert driver assessment.

Learn more

Tire wheel cavity modal model

Understand how tire, wheel and cavity interactions drive interior noise, and get the engineering insights needed to improve NVH performance without adding weight.

Learn more