A new servo sled that will improve the accuracy, repeatability and correlation of test pulses to a real crash will be the first facility of its kind in the UK when it is installed at the Millbrook vehicle testing centre near Luton, England, next month.
The upgraded sled simulates vehicle collisions so that the effects on its occupants can be measured via sensors fitted to crash test dummies. This innovative technology can simulate frontal, off-set and side impacts, providing comprehensive data for engineers.
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The new equipment replaces an older simulator, known as a HyGe sled, and uses a servo-actuated braking system to control the crash pulse correlation. The computer controlled crash pulse can be changed, unlike the older simulator which required partial dismantling to change a metering pin. Along with expansion of the test preparation areas the new servo sled system can achieve much faster turnaround times, so customers can be offered more tests per day to complete their test programmes in less time.
Millbrook, opened in 1969 as the Vauxhall Proving Ground, historically had a significant role in evolving the HyGe sled for automotive testing, including the development of a dipping sled, when it identified shortfalls in the original system to simulate crashes for certain vehicle types.
Additionally, to complement the new sled, Millbrook has invested in the latest high speed, high definition camera equipment to improve the quality of the images taken when capturing tests.
As well as the servo sled and camera equipment, Millbrook recently upgraded its seat belt anchorage test system. The combination of these facilities means the independent supplier of engineering and test services is able to provide a full range of crash testing capabilities to its customers.
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