4-Stroke Engine Simulations Feature Comparison

Selecting The Best Engine Simulation For Your Needs:

Please note that this table is organized into three main categories:
The first several left-hand columns include the DeskTop and Sim Series Simulations for Domestic engine applications. The second category, over the next three columns, details simulations designed for Sport-Compact applications. The third category, using the last two columns, details the features in the new Dynomation Wave-Dynamics simulations (for both Domestic and Sport-Compact applications).
 

Simulations with ProTools™
The columns with ProTools features detail the Advanced simulations with ProTools  features activated. These simulation versions are best suited for professionals, serious enthusiasts, pro shops, etc.

Note: The engine simulation Power Features™ listed in this table are described below..

 

(1) Alternate Fuels/Nitrous Injection: Simulation supports testing various fuels and nitrous-oxide injection. Cylinder pressures, including BMEP (Brake Mean Effective Pressure), are calculated and can be used to determine safe nitrous activation points and flow limits.

(2) AirFlow QuickCalculator™: Several ProRacing engine simulations accept induction airflow (cfm) measured at a pressure drop of either 1.5-In/Hg or 3.0-In/Hg. For those instances where an induction system, injector, or carburetor was flow tested at a different pressure drop, or whenever you would like to convert flow values from one pressure-drop rating to another, the Airflow QuickCalculator will easily perform these conversion functions.

(3) CamMath QuickCalculator™: The basic four valve events (IVO, IVC, EVO, EVC) are needed to pinpoint the intake and exhaust valve opening and closing points. Unfortunately, many cam catalogs and other printed materials do not provide this essential information. While these conversions can be accomplished in the CamManager™, the simple the CamMath QuickCalculator™ instantly converts the lobe-center angle, intake centerline, and the duration values into IVO, IVC, EVO, and EVC valve events.

(4) Variable Valve Timing: Modern engines use variable cam timing to optimize power, economy, and other engine characteristics. Selected ProRacing Simulations include a Variable Valve Timing model that "switches" between two unique cam profiles when the engine reaches the activation rpm. The cam profiles for each "lobe" and the activation rpm are completely adjustable and can be included as variables in Iterative testing (see ProIterator™).

(5) Advanced Compression Ratio Calculator: Easy-to-use, intuitive selections make calculating compression ratio a snap. Enter known values or measured volumes and instantly see the exact compression ratio for any engine.

(6) Connecting-Rod-Length And Rod-Ratio Modeling: Simulation incorporates sophisticated models that simulate the changes in forces against the cylinderwall and crankshaft that occur when connecting-rod length is modified. You can directly enter any connecting-rod length or rod ratio for analysis. Program displays changes in power, torque, etc.

(7) Forced-Induction Modeling: Adds sophisticated turbocharger, roots and centrifugal supercharger modeling. Display manifold pressures, modify belt ratios, pressure ratios, A/R ratios, intercooler efficiency, and more! Also includes wastegate modeling.

(8) High-Speed Simulation: Simulation code written in C++ for super-fast execution. Substantially shortens data analysis during Iterative™ (multiple-simulation run) testing.

(9) Custom Cylinder-Head Flow: Allows the direct entry of flow-bench data, permitting accurate modeling of any cylinder head port flow. Cylinder-head flow files are supplied with the simulation and can be saved and loaded. Also, flow files for many engines are available from enthusiast groups on the Internet.

(10) Multi-Page Test Reports: Simulation analysis is printed in color on several pages, depending on the simulation package. Component selections, custom data (like cylinder head flow, power curves, etc.), graphic analysis, and data tables comprise some of the pages. For even more-enhanced printing, see ProPrinting.™

(11) Direct-Click™ Component Menus: A completely unique feature on selected ProRacing Sim packages. Direct-Click™ menus allow you to simply click on any engine/vehicle component to change or modify your selection. This eliminates "hunting" through drop-down menus for the parts you need; just click on the component and make your selection.

(12) Real-Time "What-If" Testing: Many ProRacing simulations show engine or vehicle components on the left side of the main program screen and display simulation results on the right. In addition, these advanced software packages are highly optimized to minimize simulation calculation times. The combination of these two features allow you to analyze more components, quickly modify any components, and instantly see the results in graphs and tables. This exclusive design sets the standard for interactive, "What If" testing.

(13) U.S./Metric Units: Allows rapid display of either U.S. or Metric units. Switching between units system is seamless and instantaneous.

(14) One-Click Quick-Compare™: A time-saving feature that allows you to instantly establish a baseline engine and perform a side-by-side comparison with a single mouse click. This is the fastest way to test component changes and view how they alter engine or vehicle performance.

(15) Test Multiple Engines/Vehicles: A powerful feature that allows testing multiple engines or vehicles at once. Each "open" simulation is available for analysis, and can be brought into focus by simply clicking a tab located at the bottom of the screen. This professional feature saves time, eliminates opening-and-closing multiple simulation files, and permits rapid side-by-side comparisons.

(16) On-Graph Comparisons Of Multiple Simulations: Compare up to four "open" simulations (see (15) Test Multiple Engines/Vehicles) on any of the graphic displays. Comparisons can consist of any of the displayable simulation variables, such as horsepower, torque, engine pressures, vehicle speed, engine rpm, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and much more.

(17) Cam Manager™: A comprehensive tool for entering, displaying, and modifying cam timing and valve lift. Graphic displays show the effects of duration, lift, and lifter acceleration for both seat-to-seat and 0.050-inch valve-timing specifications. Sophisticated algorithms calculate lifter acceleration and improve simulation accuracy. Save and load CamFiles (many CamFiles are supplied with the simulation and many more are available on an optional CamDataSim CD, available from ProRacingSim).

(18) Import CamData™ Files: Simulation will read CamFiles™ that contain not only valve timing events, lift, and camshaft type, but also cam manufacturer application data, engine family recommendations, web-site contact data, and more. ProRacing Sim advanced engine simulations are supplied with up to several hundred CamFiles, and more are available from ProRacing Sim on CD. Allows rapid testing and matching derived event-timing values to actual cam manufacturer’s part numbers.

(19) One-Click Iterative Testing™: Iterative™ testing, an exclusive feature of ProRacing Sim software, is an automated method of performing multiple tests and locating optimum combinations, automatically. One-Click Iterative Testing is a feature of the QuickIterator™ incorporated in several ProRacingSim simulations. By simply clicking a single button, the simulation will begin a series of tests and display the best result, all without user intervention (also see ProIterator™).

(20) Extended Color Display: Allows user selection of optional color sets for the main interface. New color sets will be added with each release of most ProRacing Simulations.

(21) Extended-Data Displays: This professional feature is available in the ProTools™ kit for many simulations (exclusive feature of ProRacing Sim). Professionals often need additional data beyond power, torque, elapsed time, speeds, and other "basic" measurements to optimize engine and vehicle performance. To provide this data, internal physics models are extended, "in-depth" data is calculated and made available for graphic and table-based displays. Extended data types depend on the simulation, but examples include various engine pressures, frictional power consumption, detailed vehicle movement analysis, individual wheel forces and movements, etc.

(22) ProPrinting™: This is a professional feature available in the ProTools™ kit for many simulations (exclusive feature of ProRacing Sim). ProPrinting produces custom, full-color, multi-page test reports, including cover pages, tables of contents, your name and/or company name and logo, and even an optional glossary. ProPrinting produces an easy-to-read, comprehensive, professional printed test reports that you will be proud to display, present to customers, or keep for a lifetime.

(23) ProData™ Graphic Displays And Tables: This is a professional feature available in the ProTools™ kit for many simulations. Includes the calculation and display of additional simulation data, often needed by professional racers and/or engine developers. The ProData Tables display extensive additional data in an easy-to-read format, and are available in addition to the standard graphs and data tables provided in the simulation.

(24) Graph DataZones™: This is a professional feature available in the ProTools™ kit for many simulations. Graph DataZones allow you to display additional graph data and/or show ranges for target data values. DataZones can clearly illustrate dangerously high pressures, engine speeds, or almost anything you wish to highlight. DataZones can be displayed in any color(s), and you can automatically select a gradient range between beginning and ending colors.

(25) ProIterator™: Iterative™ testing, an exclusive feature of ProRacing Sim software, is an automated method of performing multiple tests and locating optimum combinations, automatically. The ProIterator, a ProTools™ feature, provides maximum flexibility in selecting components and setting up the desired testing criterion. Search for optimum power/torque/acceleration, or locate the component combination that produces maximum "area-under-the-curve" for horsepower, torque, acceleration, or other variables. Once you have established the testing criterion, the ProIterator will begin a series of tests and display the best 10 results, all without user intervention (also see One-Click Iterative Testing™).

(26) Analyze Area Under Data Curves: Part of the ProIterator™ included in the ProTools™ kit. While peak values of torque, horsepower, acceleration, and other simulation data focuses on the "absolute maximum," the areas under these curves indicate the greatest "volume" of power or acceleration. Think of this area as the maximum horsepower throughout the rpm range (or acceleration over time). The ProIterator can search for the 10 best combinations that produce the greatest area under any portion of a selected data curve.

(27) Full Wave-Action Simulation: Finite-amplitude, wave-dynamics analysis using the Method-Of-Characteristics and Filling-And-Emptying mathematical models, exclusive features of ProRacing Dynomation software, simulate the complex interactions of pressure waves in the intake and exhaust passages. Since these waves significantly affect the flow characteristics within engine ducting, a comprehensive analysis of pressure pulses and how they interact with runner length and taper angles is an essential element in accurately determining mass flow within the IC engine.

(28) Analyze Induction And Exhaust Pressure Waves: Comprehensive graphs and data displayed in tables, often synchronized to the graph-reticle position (indicating the instantaneous crank-angle), are provided in the Dynomation engine simulation. These pressure-wave data-sets are clearly displayed and can be compared with pressure pulses at different engine speeds or even with wave dynamics from a different engine design. This in-depth analysis offers the most detailed analysis "inside" a running engine ever offered in simulation software.

(29) Model Intake Runner Lengths And Taper Angles: The "secrets" to engine performance often lie in the subtle elements of engine design, like the lengths and shapes of induction and exhaust passages. The Dynomation engine simulation allows anyone to test a wide variety of runner lengths and taper angles to determine, not only how these critical elements affect engine power throughout the powerband, but also to select optimum shapes for virtually any application.

(30) Megaphone And Normal Header Design Modeling: The Dynomation engine simulation models single exhaust pipes per cylinder, "standard" headers with collectors, and megaphone exhaust systems. All tubing lengths, diameters, and taper angles can be tuned for a variety of applications. Megaphone exhaust systems are often used in racing motorcycle applications, but are occasionally applied to performance automotive applications, also.

(31) Piston-Pin Offset Modeling: The Dynomation engine simulation will model the subtle effects of piston-pin offset on instantaneous piston position, piston dwell and the associated thermodynamic effects, and piston/cylinderwall friction changes due to pin/rod/crank geometry.

(32) Transparent 3D-Engine Pressure-Analysis Display: The Dynomation engine simulation provides a unique and powerful way to visualize the motion of pressure waves within a running engine. A cutaway view of a engine, rendered in real time using sophisticated 3D graphics, synchronizes valve and piston motions to the pressure-crank angle diagram. As you move the reticle across the diagram—to any crank angle within the 720 degrees of the 4-cycle process—the motion of the pistons, valves, and pressure waves are displayed. This unprecedented technology allows you to "see inside" the engine, providing the ultimate tool for pressure-wave understanding and analysis.

(33) Graph Reticle Synchronized With Engine Data: Selected ProRacing Simulations have moveable reticle lines on graphs that are synchronized with the underlying data. By moving the reticle over the graph, the corresponding data or vehicle movement will be displayed. This feature is very helpful in analyzing complex vehicle telemetry or engine performance data at any point during the simulation.

(34) Import DynoSim & SC-DynoSim Engine, Cam, & Flow Files: Dynomation can import and test engine, cam, and flow files from virtually all other ProRacing Sim engine simulations. This makes testing and analysis much easier for those who have developed a library of data files from other "Sim" series simulations. In addition, Dynomation Advanced and ProTools versions will import engine test files from the previous (Dos) release of Dynomation.

(35) Import CamPro, CamProPlus, S96, and CamDoctor Cam-Profile Files: To allow the widest possible modeling power, Dynomation ProTools supports the direct import of a a number of commonly used cam-profile formats, including CamPro, CamPro+, S96, and Cam-Doctor files. A simple-to-use dialog box helps you assign centerline values and determine valve-open duration from lifter-rise measurements.

(36) Imports FlowPro Flow-Bench Test Files: The Dynomation engine simulation models intake and exhaust port flow from measurements taken at a wide variety of pressure drops and valve-lift points. To accommodate the professional that uses Audie Technology software on their flow bench, Dynomation With ProTools will directly read FlowPro files. This feature will save you time and eliminate errors in transcribing flow measurements.

(37) Fine And SuperFine Mesh Modes: The Wave-Action simulation calculates gas-dynamics within engine passages by dividing the intake and exhaust passages into small volumes of equal size, called meshes. The smaller the mesh size, the more rigorous the mathematical analysis. In many cases, the standard Course mesh is sufficient to accurately analyze gas dynamics within intake and exhaust passages. But, in some cases, a more complete analysis is required to overcome instabilities or odd pressure-wave interactions. This analysis is provided in the Fine and SuperFine mesh modes available as ProTools options in Dynomation.

(38) Air-Fuel Ratio Vs. Rpm Modeling: This is a professional feature available in the ProTools™ Kit for Dynomation engine simulation. Model any air/fuel ratio at any rpm testing point by simply entering ratio values in an easy-to-modify fuel "map."

(39) View 3D Engine Mass-Flow Analysis: As described in the previous Power Feature 3D-Engine Pressure-Flow Analysis, Dynomation includes a cutaway view of a engine allowing you to view the motion of the pistons, valves, and pressure/flow within the ports of the engine. A professional feature available in the ProTools™ kit for Dynomation extends this powerful modeling technology to include the visualization of mass flow into and out of the cylinders.

(40) Dual-Sim (Hybrid) Engine Modeling: Dynomation includes both the DynoSim Filling-And-Emptying and Wave-Action engine simulation models. These complimentary simulation models work together to provide the engine researcher with the greatest flexibly and modeling feedback. A professional feature available in the ProTools™ kit for Dynomation extends this capability to include a Hybrid model that intelligently combines the results from both simulations to best utilize the strengths of each modeling technique.