Testing resources

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AEI editors review the latest testing products, equipment, and technologies used for various automotive applications from the industry's suppliers.

March 2002
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Starter/alternator test bench

With the modified and extended KPS 004 starter and alternator test bench from Robert Bosch GmbH, powerful alternators and voltage regulators can be tested under conditions comparable to normal operation. The bench is designed to test alternators having a capacity up to 240 A/14 V in 12-V systems and up to 120 A/28 V in 24-V systems, as well as starters with output power up to 10 kW (13 hp). It is equipped with a new display technology; the measured data for rotational speeds, electrical currents, and tensions are indicated on easy-to-read digital measuring devices, which are protected against vibrations by a spring-mounted instrument panel. The KPS 004 also includes a continuously variable-speed adjustment for alternator drives with three-phase ac motor and frequency converter. According to the company, the technology is suitable for all starters and alternators available on the market.

Ignition tester

The diesel fuel Ignition Quality Tester (IQT)—conceived and initially developed by Southwest Research Institute and further developed, commercialized, and manufactured under license by Advanced Engine Technology Ltd.—increases refinery profitability by minimizing the potential for producing higher-than-specified cetane number, sometimes known as cetane number giveaway. It also greatly reduces the cost of testing for fuel blending. The IQT is faster and simpler, more accurate and less expensive, and also needs less fuel per test than the engine test currently used for rating the ignition quality of diesel fuel.

Radio test system

IFR Systems' Vehicle Radio Test System (VRTS) significantly reduces warranty costs associated with in-vehicle information and entertainment systems. The VRTS verifies the quality of the assembly and installation of these systems by using automated functional testing as part of the production-line process. The system can test AM/FM radios, GSM cellular phones with hands-free capability, and navigational and traffic warning systems. It can be upgraded to accommodate future developments in vehicle communications and entertainment systems such as GPS, digital audio broadcasting, road tolling, and collision-avoidance systems.

Headform impact

The free motion headform impact system from MTS Systems Corp. is easier to use than the previous version and contains many enhanced features, including a handheld remote controller for setting positions, an optional coordinate transformation system to accelerate setting up and repeating tests, and a test controller and software engineered to provide easy testing and immediate access to test information. The unit's positioning system is engineered for testing in accordance with FMVSS 201. Designed to enhance one-man operation, it permits several impact tests to be run per shift. It has seven-degree-of-freedom operation, the ability to simulate head impacts of both occupants and pedestrians, and a column that swivels ±30°.

Online emissions simulator

An online service from Engelhard Corp. enables automotive engineers to simulate emissions systems for specific engines. The simulator allows engineers to plug in engine parameters and then choose among a number of variables including type of catalyst, substrate, cell density, precious metal loading, and emissions targets. With the help of the simulator, the engineers can predict how a specific catalyst system would perform in particular car models. They can then order samples immediately online.

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