SIX DEGREES
OF FREEDOM
True full motion simulation requires six degrees of freedom.
What are the SIX Degrees of Freedom (6DOF)?
Six degrees of freedom describe the complete range of movement an object can experience in three-dimensional space. This includes three rotational (or angular) motions and three translational (or linear) motions. These movements are centered around three intersecting axes: two horizontal (X and Y) and one vertical (Z). The intersection of these axes occurs at the object’s center of mass (or center of gravity).
Achieving all six degrees of freedom is essential to meet the industry standard definition of “Full Motion,” – as implemented by the SimCraft APEX6 GT.
THREE DEGREES
OF ROTATION
ROLL
Angular rotation around the longitudinal axis simulating body roll, left/right weight transfers and track features such as banking and curbing.
PITCH
Angular rotation around the horizontal axis simulating front/rear weight transfer and longitudinal G-forces from acceleration and braking, and track features like hills and bumps.
YAW
Angular rotation around the vertical axis rotation simulating oversteer (loss of rear traction) and understeer (loss of front traction).
THREE DEGREES
OF TRANSLATION
SURGE
Linear motion forwards and backwards simulating acceleration and deceleration, as well as track features like curbing and tire barriers.
SWAY
Linear motion along the lateral axis, left and right simulating acceleration associated with steering wheel inputs, and can also be influenced by soft or loose surfaces.
HEAVE
Linear motion along the vertical axis simulates up and down acceleration, track inclines/declines, and surface imperfections like bumps and curbing.
How Do the Six Degrees of Freedom Impact Driver Development?
Roll
Vital for cornering and controlling the vehicle’s body roll, particularly during high-speed maneuvers.
Pitch
Significant for understanding vehicle dynamics related to braking and acceleration. Managing pitch is essential for maintaining traction and stability.
Yaw
Crucial for learning to control the vehicle’s direction, especially when steering through curves or maintaining stability during turns.
Surge
Essential for simulating acceleration and deceleration, helping drivers learn to manage speed and control the vehicle’s longitudinal movement.
Sway
Important for simulating side-to-side movements such as lane changes or navigating through obstacles.
Heave
While it simulates vertical movements like bumps or jumps, heave also simulates suspension dynamics.
Overall, all six degrees of freedom are integral to driver development and training. Their importance may vary depending on the specific goals and requirements of the training program.
The Most Critical Rotational Degree of Freedom for Improving Lap Times
Yaw refers to the rotation of the car around its vertical axis, impacting the car’s directional heading. Controlling yaw is essential for maintaining the desired trajectory through corners. Effective yaw control requires precise steering inputs to navigate turns efficiently, adhere to the optimal racing line, and manage the car’s rotation to achieve the fastest possible cornering speeds.
Yaw control is directly linked to cornering performance, a crucial component in achieving faster lap times.
All SimCraft models including the GRID1, APEX CT, and APEX GT implement the critical yaw axis of motion.
What is a full motion simulator?
Simcraft leads: Center of mass, low energy consumption.
A full motion simulator is defined by the flight simulation industry as a simulator with all six degrees of freedom: roll, pitch, yaw, surge, sway, and heave. These six movements are essential for a simulator to qualify for the full motion designation, a standard established in the 1950s but often misused today.
Historically, the full motion designation was reserved for simulators using a hexapod style solution, invented in 1952. This methodology was the only one capable of delivering full motion, until now.
The SimCraft APEX6 GT represents a groundbreaking approach to this decades-old standard. Unlike the hexapod, the SimCraft APEX 6 offers independent and relative degrees of freedom, while also boasting low energy consumption. This innovation marks a significant advancement in full motion simulation technology.
Jimmie Johnson
7-Time NASCAR Cup Champion
After experiencing the SimCraft APEX6, I was amazed by its realistic feel and immediately knew I was hooked. I was even left wondering how such authenticity was achieved, given that nothing else I’ve tried can match the real-world vehicle experience, regardless of price. SimCraft takes driver training and vehicle development to an entirely new level.
