Optimal Lap on a Racetrack: The Impact of different Vehicle Models

Institut

Lehrstuhl für Fahrzeugtechnik

Typ

Semesterarbeit / Masterarbeit /

Inhalt

theoretisch /  

Beschreibung

As a master’s student, you will have the unique opportunity to join TUM Autonomous Motorsport, a world-leading
team in autonomous racing that has triumphed in full-scale competitions such as the Indy Autonomous Challenge
(IAC) and the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). Our team develops cutting-edge software
and control strategies for high-performance open-wheel race cars, including Indy Lights and Super Formula
chassis, pushing the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology. This thesis will position you at the intersection
of motorsport engineering, advanced optimization, and real-world racing, where you will contribute directly to a team
that is fully committed to winning each event. You won’t just be conducting research—you’ll be part of a high-stakes,
high-performance racing environment where your work can have a direct impact on race results.
Your task will be to investigate how the fidelity of different vehicle models affects the outcomes of offline minimum
laptime optimization. This involves implementing and comparing a range of models, from simpler linear and
nonlinear single-track and double-track models to complex multi-body physics simulations. You may also
explore various tire models, each with its own influence on vehicle dynamics and optimization results. To ensure
convergence of the numerical solving scheme, modifications to existing algorithms may be necessary, adding an-
other layer of complexity to your thesis. While the primary focus will be on autonomous race cars, there is flexibility
to tailor the project to your interests—for example, studying the effects of body position and driver motion in a go-
kart multi-body physics simulation. This thesis will allow you to work at the frontier of vehicle dynamics, optimal
control, and numerical optimization while being embedded in an elite motorsporting environment.

Disclaimer: This thesis may prove to be quite challenging and will require maximum engagement from day one.
However, as a counterbalance, you will be part of a real racing team with real race cars where everyone is fully
committed to pushing boundaries and winning.

Voraussetzungen

• Enthusiasm for racing and an exceptional work ethic
• Good programming skills in Python or C++
• Ability to collaborate in a team and engage in interdisciplinary research

Tags

FTM Studienarbeit, FTM Automatisiertes Fahren, FTM Buettner, FTM Informatik

Möglicher Beginn

sofort

Kontakt

Sascha Büttner, M.Sc.
sascha.buettnertum.de

Ausschreibung