Loads are the forces applied to structures or
transmitted by structural members. They may be
static or dynamic, may act downwards or push or pull
structures in all directions. Knowing the forces
acting on or within a structure can help explain a
structure's response—the cause of a premature
failure, for example. Determining real-world loads
is critical in troubleshooting as well as in product
design. First steps in determining loads might
include:
 Developing a
measurement method
Designing and
building transducers if required
Developing a
laydown to use existing components to measure loads
if possible
Developing
calibration methods to extract required loads from
test measurements
Vehicle road load data acquisition:
Measures
vehicle response to road loads
Used for
test-based design validation using random vibration
or simulation rig testing
Conducted at
proving grounds, special events, public roads,
international venues
Steering,
suspension, power train & driveline, seats, exhaust
systems, electronics
32 to 200+
data channels plus vehicle bus and GPS
Unattended
data collection
Sample automotive projects:
RLDA:
Automotive — Real-world tests of operating
environments on three continents
Customer Usage Measurements in Car Components
— Developing
component specs based on how customers really
use a product
Unattended Testing:
Remote brake measurements on fleet cars
— Real-world data taken in a major American
metro area
Program Planning: Equivalent
proving ground route design
—
Shaving time and cost from the testing process
Other sample projects:
Vibration Troubleshooting:
Power plant — Onsite assistance to correct or
diagnose problems
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