MTS Systems Corporation and CATARC have strengthened their long-term relationship with the opening of a new research facility in China
Above: CATARC opening Ceremony, Tianjin, China.
A new test lab costing US$14m is now in full operation at the CATARC (China Automotive Technology & Research Center) facility in Tianjin, China.
The CATARC-MTS Vehicle Test Technology & Innovation Platform was fully outfitted by MTS Systems Corporation and greatly expands CATARC’s core test capabilities, enabling more local OEMs to bring to market next-generation vehicles with improved reliability, safety and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, MTS will benefit from working together with the Chinese manufacturers and it will improve its brand image in the Chinese market.
Thanks to the MTS ground vehicle testing systems, CATARC will now be able to address issues associated with vehicle aerodynamics, durability and performance, and advanced testing simulation.
Above: Model 329 tire-coupled road simulator with specimen.
Among the technologies that MTS has supplied there are multi-axial simulation tables, multi-axial spindle-coupled road simulators, and mHIL (mechanical hardware-in-the-loop) hybrid simulation systems. CATARC is also making use of MTS rolling resistance test technologies and the company’s material testing systems.
The main customization involved included meeting local language requirements and power infrastructure. We supplied CATARC with an mHIL steer testing system that enables both HPS and EPS testing; also mHIL can provide the steer development without physical specimen in simulation environment. And the MAST with six vertical actuators will enable the exhaust system testing on MAST.
Above: Multi-axial simulation table with engine specimen
MTS has provided CATARC personnel with complete hardware and software training for all new equipment, in addition to ongoing, advanced test and simulation consultation.
With the establishment of the CATARC-MTS Vehicle Test Technology & Innovation Platform, both parties will be able to start co-research into new auto test technologies such as mHIL, hybrid simulation, EDM and other new techniques.
Above: Multi-axial simulation table with seat specimen
September 3, 2015
