Testing - Tech Blog
EU approves test to prevent grid problems from vehicle charging
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) recently approved a measure designed to ensure proper electromagnetic compatibility between the electricity grid and vehicles (battery-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric types) that are being recharged via a plug, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. Compliance with these new requirements (in the form of the 04 series of amendments to Regulation No. 10) becomes mandatory from Oct. 28, 2014, for new types of vehicle and from Oct. 28, 2016, for all new vehicles.
GM-SAIC JV breathes life into climate wind tunnel in Shanghai
A climate wind tunnel that opened March 27 in Shanghai is notable for several reasons, according to the joint venture behind it, PATAC. According to PATAC (Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center) JV partners General Motors and SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.), it is the first climate wind tunnel in China that can provide rain and snow simulations. Among others that are operating in China, PATAC's is the only one that has a wind-speed deviation of less than 1% and a maximum wind speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). In addition, it has the widest temperature simulation range of -40 to +60°C (-40 to +140°F) and the largest humidity simulation range (5 to 95%). The JV claims that it can replace about 80% of climate road tests.
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PATAC engineers conduct wet weather testing on a Buick LaCrosse at the climate wind tunnel in Shanghai.
Horiba supplies test cells for new Cat facility in China
Horiba Automotive Test Systems (ATS) has been contracted by Caterpillar Inc. to provide three heavy-duty test cells and one generator test system for the company’s new production base in Tianjin, China, by the start of production in January 2013. The multifunctional test cells will be used to analyze the high-capacity 3500 Series engines and generator packages of Caterpillar. Automatic guided vehicles will transport test specimens from rigging stations to test cells. Once in place, test specimens will undergo complete functional testing using advanced Horiba equipment. Test cell capacity of up to 3.6 MW will be used in the engine test cells, and the test systems will feature dual-language operator controls in both Mandarin and English. Horiba ATS established a 9400-m2 (101,000-ft2) manufacturing plant in Shanghai/Anting, China, in 2010; this contract accelerates its expansion into the Asian region.
DeltaWing experimental racecar to go live at Le Mans (video)
Nissan’s goal with the DeltaWing experimental racecar is to explore new technologies for road cars. But it is a racecar, after all, and the Nissan DeltaWing will strut its motorsports stuff for the first time this June at the Le Mans 24 Hours. The automaker’s main contribution to the uniquely designed racecar is a 1.6-L four-cylinder engine employing direct injection and turbocharging. Race-prepared for the 24 Hours, the DIG-T engine produces 300 hp (224 kW) and features the same technology found in Nisan road cars such as the Juke DIG-T. See DeltaWing video here.
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With a rear-mounted engine, the DeltaWing has a strong rearward weight bias, which makes it highly maneuverable, while its light weight and slippery shape make it far more efficient, says Nissan.
Aveos signs five-year engine service contract with Snecma
Aveos signed a five-year agreement for the repair and overhaul of Snecma's CFM56-5 platform engines and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). Aveos has been providing MRO engine capacity to Snecma for almost 15 years, according to Paul Lochab, Chief Commercial Officer, Aveos Fleet Performance. Aveos has a 515,000-ft² engine facility with three test cells and has expertise on a wide range of engine families including the CF-34-3A & 3B, CF34-8C, 8E, CFM56-2A, 2B, 2C, CFM56-3B1, 3B2, 3C1, CFM56-5A, 5B, 5C, and the Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7 (A-J), JT9D-7R4 (D/E). Program offerings also include component solutions, Quick Engine Change engine management, and inventory solutions.
Europe toughens truck cab safety test
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) on Jan. 4 published the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 29 on commercial vehicle cab safety which introduces some significant amendments to the pendulum impact test procedures, according to InterRegs, an online resource for global vehicle safety and emissions regulations. The changes increase the impact energy level for the existing front pendulum impact test from 44 kJ to 55 kJ, specify an additional front pendulum impact test designed to test the cab’s A-pillars, and require that the cab roof be subjected to a lateral pendulum impact prior to the roof crush test being conducted. Compliance with these new requirements becomes mandatory for new types of truck from Jan. 30, 2017.
Molex expands cable assembly capabilities with acquisition
Molex Inc., an Illinois-based global electronic components company, has completed the acquisition of Temp-Flex Cable Inc., a designer and manufacturer of specialty wire and cable products for the aerospace, military, electronics, test and measurement, and industrial markets, among others. According to Mike Miskin, Vice President and General Manager, Cable Products Business Unit of Molex’s Global Integrated Products Division, this strategic acquisition will give Molex access to development and manufacturing expertise for products that will expand its high-performance cable assembly business. Based in South Grafton, MA, Temp-Flex Cable will operate as a subsidiary of Molex and will be part of the company’s Global Integrated Products Division.
Lockheed Martin providing Launch and Checkout Capability for GPS III satellites
The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $21.5 million contract to provide a Launch and Checkout Capability (LCC) to command and control all GPS III satellites from launch through early on-orbit testing. The LCC, which will be integrated into the Raytheon-developed Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), will ensure launch availability for the first GPS III satellite in 2014. The LCC includes trained satellite operators and engineering solutions in partnership with OCX to support launch, early-orbit operations, and checkout of all GPS III satellites before the spacecraft are turned over to Air Force Space Command for operations. The GPS III program will replace aging GPS satellites while improving capability to meet the needs of military, commercial, and civilian users worldwide. The satellites will deliver better accuracy and improved anti-jamming power while enhancing the spacecraft's design life and adding a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems.
AMETEK acquires Technical Manufacturing Corp.
AMETEK Inc. has acquired Technical Manufacturing Corp. (TMC), a provider of high-performance vibration isolation systems and optical test benches used to isolate highly sensitive instruments for the microelectronics, life sciences, photonics, and ultra-precision manufacturing industries. TMC, headquartered in Peabody, MA, joins AMETEK as part of the Ultra Precision Technologies division of AMETEK EIG. Ultra Precision Technologies is a pioneer in the development of ultra-precision measurement instruments and a global leader in ultra-precise machine tools and manufacturing systems for the semiconductor, photovoltaic, nanotechnology, military, defense, and ophthalmic lens markets. AMETEK EIG sells its instruments to the process and analytical, aerospace, power, and industrial markets worldwide.
Kistler opens new tech center
Kistler recently completed work on its new North American Technical Center, a 20,000-ft² (1900-m²) sales, training, and application-support facility located in Novi, MI. It offers Detroit-area customers fully dedicated on-site technical product sales, service, and applications engineering expertise, as well as A2LA-accredited calibration services, for automotive testing (including crash testing), vehicle dynamics, manufacturing assembly joining, and in-laboratory test requirements. In addition to the sensor and related offerings of Kistler Instrument Corp., the tech center will support the Kistler KT North America crash test portfolio of onboard, off-board, and in-dummy data-acquisition systems and software; Corrsys-Datron vehicle dynamics measurement technologies; and Kistler joining systems for manufacturing assembly operations. Kistler employees operating from Michigan facilities in Farmington Hills, Flint, and Novi have been moved to the new location.
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