Real-time aerodynamic visualization and car physics for enthusiasts.
AeroDrive Simulator is a C++/Unreal Engine desktop application that lets users upload custom 3D car models and explore their aerodynamic behavior in a fully interactive environment. Featuring Garage Mode, Wind Tunnel Mode, and Track Mode; the simulator combines realistic physics with real-time flow visualization for a fun and educational experience.
This project is split up into multiple phases over the course of 12 months. As we go along the following phases, the section titled "🚧 Construction" will be updated.
| Phase | Timeline | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: MVP | Sept–Dec 2025 | Import 3D models, basic UI, Garage mode |
| Phase 2: Wind Tunnel | Jan–Apr 2026 | Aero visualizations, dynamic sliders |
| Phase 3: Track Mode | May–July 2026 | Driving + aero-integrated physics |
| Phase 4: Polish | Aug–Sept 2026 | UI, performance, exports, final build |
Goal: Get the core system running with one usable feature mode (Garage or Wind Tunnel).
- ✅ Choose Unreal Engine + C++ setup
- ✅ Import and render custom 3D car models (STL/OBJ/FBX)
- ✅ Basic Garage Mode
- View and rotate the car model
- Simple metadata: name, dimensions, estimated drag coefficient (static)
- ✅ Core UI framework: menus, car importer, settings
- ✅ Hook up placeholder aerodynamic calculator (e.g., drag = ½ρv²CdA)
- ✅ Plan architecture for real-time visual FX (streamlines, smoke, forces)
- Unreal Engine 5 with C++
- Assimp (for format compatibility)