Crash Testing Extras!
The development of new vehicles is often challenging during the initial phases of crash testing. Particularly during early program crash tests, the ability to efficiently use test articles while collecting the maximum amount of data is necessary to push the development further along. With decades of experience in this industry, MGA is well equipped to provide additional services relating to specific data/visual/measurement parameters as needed. With requests ranging anywhere from installing specialized high-speed cameras on a test to creating highly custom test modes, our well experienced staff can provide crucial data that can be utilized during the development process. In this article, we will shed light on some of our added capabilities that have proven to be valuable to our customers.
Photography:
MGA is equipped with several Vision Research Miro N high speed cameras that are roughly the size of a quarter. These cameras are compact and versatile to be used in locations where traditional high-speed cameras do not fit. For example, a camera placed on the outboard side of the steering column to see the door panel and seat airbag interaction with the dummy on side impacts. These cameras are even small enough to fit inside the door cavity to monitor the latch mechanism during a crash. Our onsite fabrication capabilities allow us to make specialized camera mounting equipment that is unique to the vehicle to monitor specific scenarios relevant the vehicle development.
Additional Instrumentation:
MGA has a large inventory of specialty transducers to help collect the data our customers need. These sensors are utilized in a variety of ways from tear switches signaling the engine cradle separating from the lower control arm or the linear displacement of the steering column. When testing is complete, our custom scripts format test data allowing seamless integration with our customer’s internal data management systems.
Examples of specialty sensors commonly used include:
Vehicle Measurement/Scanning:
Measuring with accuracy is also one of our fortes. In fact, we hold a large inventory of CMM measuring devices and several types of 3D scanners providing our customers the ability to accurately measure components such as specific bumper sections on bumper tests, to the side of a vehicle impacted by a side moving deformable barrier. Our scanning capabilities, recently highlighted in a previous article (https://mgaresearch.com/news/mga-enhances-scanning-capabilities/ ), allows us to provide pre-test versus post-test color coded overlays, as well as 3D mesh-files that can be overlayed with CAD files. This data has been proven to be extremely valuable when evaluating the energy absorption properties of different components during a crash event.
Whether it be additional data collection on a standardized test, or custom test modes, we understand that the testing environment is very dynamic, and needs are often urgent. With multiple crash-ready test facilities and a large inventory of auxiliary data collection, our teams stand ready to provide any support needed at a moment’s notice. It is our goal to help our customers reach their goals during product development. For further information, please contact Kyle Blane at kyle.blane@mgaresearch.com .
