Pulsed flat track test bench – realistic road driving simulation in the laboratory
Analysis of low-frequency NVH phenomena under controlled test conditions
Modern vehicle development focuses on realistic and highly dynamic test conditions in order to analyze the chassis, tires, and vehicle structure under real road loads. AIP's pulsed flat track test bench offers an innovative platform for simulating complex road profiles in the laboratory, including dynamic excitation of individual wheels in multiple degrees of freedom. This allows wheel-induced vibrations such as shudder and shimmy, as well as low-frequency NVH phenomena such as booming and humming, to be investigated in a realistic and reproducible manner. Especially in electric vehicles, where the absence of engine noise makes these effects much more audible and noticeable, the test bench enables targeted NVH optimization under controlled conditions. The technology delivers precise test results, reliable data for NVH analyses, and sound findings for endurance and fatigue tests, thus making a decisive contribution to ensuring the comfort, durability, and driving dynamics of modern vehicles.
Advantages
- Simulation of complex road profiles without time-consuming and costly field tests
- Targeted wheel excitation in vertical and horizontal directions
- Reproducible test profiles for comparable measurement results
- Analysis of the interaction between tires, chassis, and vehicle structure
- Reduced development time and costs through laboratory testing
Application
- Optimization of dampers, springs, axle components, and bearings.
- Analysis of noise and vibration phenomena under realistic road loads.
- Investigation of the long-term stability and service life of vehicle components.
- Development and validation of new chassis concepts and technologies.
- Testing of individual components or complete systems under defined load cycles.
Realistic road loads. Reproducibly tested.
Realistic road driving simulation – vertical & horizontal
The pulsed flat track test bench simulates complex road profiles not only statically, but also highly dynamically. Targeted force inputs in the vertical and horizontal directions stimulate individual wheels, allowing real driving situations such as potholes, cobblestones, bridge joints, or other road irregularities to be simulated – reproducibly in the laboratory instead of on the road.
The technology is ideal for:
- Research and development of chassis systems
- Investigation of NVH phenomena (noise, vibration, harshness)
- Endurance and fatigue analyses of individual components
- Optimization of suspension and damping characteristics
- Studies on the long-term stability of driving systems
Modular, highly dynamic wheel and track excitation
The pulsed flat track test bench is designed so that each wheel can be excited individually – both vertically and horizontally. This targeted force excitation enables a detailed analysis of the vehicle-wheel interaction under defined, repeatable conditions.
Highlights:
- Targeted, highly dynamic forces on each wheel for realistic simulation of different road profiles
- Vertical and horizontal excitation for realistic load scenarios
- Modular design for adaptation to different test tasks and vehicle sizes
The combination of dynamic excitation and suitable measurement technology and evaluation algorithms allows not only classic endurance tests but also targeted vibration and resonance analyses.
Laboratory-based reality – sound results for automotive engineering
The pulsed flat track test bench bridges the gap between standardized test procedures and real road conditions: The combination of vertical and horizontal excitation allows not only individual components to be examined, but also their interaction as a whole. For developers, this means deeper insights into driving dynamics, comfort, and system behavior – without time-consuming and costly field tests on real roads.
Highlights
- Reproducible simulation of real road profiles for vertical and horizontal loads
- High dynamics and precision for analyzing even fine vibration phenomena
- Automated 24/7 operation for endurance and fatigue tests
- Wide applicability from NVH to chassis and component research