2008 SHOW REVIEW
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| A record number of visitors witnessed
the best-ever Automotive Testing Expo
Europe in 2008, which took place
from 6-8 May 2008 at the brand-new Messe
Stuttgart, which is located near the
airport. More than 7,500 attendees
made their way through a myriad of the
latest technologies, developments and
procedures that are improving vehicle
safety, reliability, durability and quality. CLICK HERE for more... |
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Prior to Automotive Testing Expo Europe 2008, Tony Robinson, CEO of show organizer UKIP Media and Events, predicted that “it will be the most successful Automotive Testing Expo Europe yet.” The hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors who attended the Stuttgart show would certainly agree that his prediction was spot-on.
Among the many new product launches, TestWeaver exhibited a new method for automatic test generation and evaluation of complex dynamic systems that generates tens of thousands of qualitatively different simulation runs. The innovative system analyzes the results of past simulations in order to intelligently search for violations of specifications and to increase the coverage of the system’s reached states. The test results include various configurable test coverage reports and reports for failed, or nearly failed tests. All recorded tests can be ‘replayed’ for detailed analysis and debugging.
VTI showcased a Focus-instrumented head from Denton, along with the results of several studies about facial damage due to airbags in low-speed crashes. Visitors were also able to learn about VTI’s new test facility, a 1,600m2 state-of-the-art R&D and engineering innovation site in Madrid.
Froude Hofmann displayed three new testing tools: a new NVH chassis dynamometer, a powertrain chassis dynamometer, and a shake roll test rig. The NVH chassis dynamometer boasts a host of efficient features, including highly responsive inertia simulation, all independent control, and phase lock and roll speed. The powertrain chassis tool has emission test, ABS and TCS testing, and climatic chamber testing capability. The shake roll test rig is a roller test tool with four asynchronous servomotors working from 20-60kW, plus it operates at a maximum test speed of 50km/h.
Moog FCS showed some new technologies for hydraulic and electric actuation, as well as some new control features, a new multi-actual shaker table design, and a new high-dynamic shaker design. “The shaker table is a great product as you can replicate driving files and simulate various types of road,” explained Pim van der Dyssel, market manager at Moog FCS. “Components such as a sunroof can be mounted on top of it so they experience the same accelerations, velocities and movements as if they were on the car itself, to see how they perform after, say, 100,000 to one million kilometers, only much more quickly than in real testing. The table is based on 6DOF principles. It is a very compact design, very rigid and tunable for rapid test setups, and higher frequencies can be enabled than with conventional tables. We recently sold a system to Thule, one of the biggest ski box manufacturers worldwide.”
Metris exhibited a number of measurement technologies, including the K-Scan MMD handheld scanner, and the WheelTracker G2 sensor for wheel and engine measurements. The WheelTracker is an optical contactless 6DOF wheel motion measurement system that can measure up to four wheels, with an option to add a fifth camera for engine motion measurement. The system can operate on all types of road in all weather conditions, with the measurement data streamed continuously through analog or digital TCP/IP connection to a standard DAS or laptop.
Christoph Thurey, project manager for driving dynamics at ATP, showed off his latest creation, the reverse-thrust trailer. He explained: “The trailer pushes the car in front for braking tests. When using real hills for tests you generate a lot of downhill force, which this trailer simulates. The trailer is powered by a 100kW 5.7-liter diesel in-line six engine and has fully electronically controlled dynamic drive. The power goes to a pump, which drives a hydraulic motor, which in turn goes to a diff and drives the front axle. Depending on the speed, you can generate up to 7,000Nm of thrust. The trailer can travel at up to 80km/h with 3,000Nm. This system is a lot safer than real hill tests, which are often done on normal roads: sometimes brakes overheat and fail so the only way to stop is by crashing. ATP is a flat facility and now we can carry out hill tests much more safely and all year round.”
Ingo Braun showed new hydraulic cylinder technologies at Hänchen’s stand: “We are showing new hydraulic systems that can be used for everything from dynamics simulators to tank cannons. Conventional systems use plastic or rubber but their dynamics aren’t so good and they need maintenance. With our systems there is no contact between the rod and the metallic seal, so no maintenance is required. We can make cylinders for special size or force requirements. Previously people could only buy certain sizes but they can now buy the perfect hydraulic cylinder.”
MIRA’s eye-catching stand featured a Fiat Grande Punto that had undergone crash testing. John Petersen was on hand to explain: “We have taken a different approach this year. We usually try to tell people about everything MIRA does, but this year we’re focusing on showing people our integrated active and passive safety work. To this end we brought a Fiat Grande Punto that has been Euro NCAP crash tested. This vehicle attained a five-star rating, and we wanted to make sure that our tests achieved the same level and to understand why this vehicle performed so much better than the previous two-star model. The increased high carbon steel content and structural designs in the chassis and body have really helped. We were also talking about our Automotive Testing Technology International Awards, which we were really pleased to win – especially our crash test team, as it is good for them to get recognition for their work.”
IMA Dresden demonstrated a new development product for testing metal folding roof systems for the new generation of convertible cars. “The complete roof system without car can be tested on this rig, simulating the roof’s vibrations over rough road surfaces. The roof system can be tested in the raised or lowered position,” explained Alexander Hamann, test and calculation engineer.
FEEDBACK:
John Petersen, MIRA: “We like to be here as it is important and is our industry show. Customers come here to find technology and services for specific test or engineering requirements.”
Ingo Braun, Hänchen: “This year’s expo is very good, with lots of space, and customers feel relaxed here. It is a very dynamic show.”
Stefan Bender, sales director for central Europe, Superflow Technologies Group:
“I have been coming to Automotive Testing Expo for the past five years, but this is the best show yet. The new exhibition center is great, with wide, open spaces and good access.”
Daniel Nilebäck, CIO, Movimento Automotive:
“We’re having a very good visitor response at the expo, with lots of people coming to our stand all through the morning and afternoon. Also, the new building is nice and open, with good light and circulation.”
Ralf Lichtenberger, general manager, Limess:
“We have had a good response for the first day. We are also enjoying the new venue.”
Bernhard Bienias, MSC Automotive GmbH:
“This expo is useful for our products, as we meet customers looking for producers of crash test equipment.” |
