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Assumptions and Limitations

  • Base vehicle dynamics are 3-DOF (vx, vy, yaw_rate) with single-track abstraction.
  • Point-mass backend is available as an alternative model and assumes zero yaw moment in diagnostics by construction.
  • Tire model implements Pacejka-style lateral force only in this phase.
  • Longitudinal force limits are represented by configurable accel/brake envelopes.
  • Point-mass backend uses an isotropic friction-circle with speed-dependent normal load from aerodynamic downforce.
  • Lateral speed envelope is solved as a fixed-point iteration with configurable tolerance and iteration cap in SimulationConfig.
  • Aero model uses constant coefficients (c_l, c_d) and rigid ride height.
  • The lap-time solver is decoupled from specific vehicle equations and only depends on the VehicleModel API contract.
  • Track data expects closed-loop CSV with columns: x, y, elevation, banking.
  • Current Spa import uses real centerline coordinates, while elevation and banking are set to 0.0 until higher-fidelity telemetry/map layers are integrated.

These simplifications are intentional to keep the architecture extensible for future modules: full vehicle, powertrain, and energy management.