I’yaaz Kala is developing a Cummins diesel-engine model in Simscape for integration into load-haul-dump vehicle digital twins. The work extends RAMMS’s engine-modelling capability from KPI estimation toward a dynamic drivetrain component that can respond inside a vehicle simulation.
Building on the QSB6.7 research
I’yaaz works professionally with Cummins diesel engines and was recruited because of that specialist experience. His model continues the research initiated by Bismarck Louw, using Louw’s experimental results as an important validation reference.
Where the earlier hybrid model focused on estimating engine health and performance indicators from a few accessible measurements, I’yaaz’s Simscape model supplies dynamic engine behaviour to the wider LHD model. This is needed for performance studies and for collision-avoidance simulations in which engine and driveline response affect vehicle motion.
Validation and application
The model was operating by mid-2026 and experimental validation was under way. The research team was also considering further measurements with Rham Equipment. Once validated, the model can be reused across the mobile-equipment digital-twin portfolio rather than remaining a stand-alone engine study.
I’yaaz is completing the MEng part-time under the supervision of Prof Stephan Heyns and Dr Stephan Schmidt.