AB Dynamics and Dynamic Research Inc have developed a guided soft target for testing heavy goods vehicles, consisting of two sections: a soft car body, which is a reusable foam structure, and the base, which is a low profile chassis. The low profile chassis has wheels that retract when driven over therefore protecting the chassis and the vehicle that is being tested.
To cope with the weight of a heavy goods vehicle driving over the chassis, a new design has been developed simply by changing the top panels. These panels are made of aluminum honeycomb which is extremely strong and rigid.
Many companies that already have the GST system for cars can use their existing systems for testing trucks by easily replacing the top panels.
As the controls and software for the GST are the same for both cars and trucks, existing users of the GST can continue to use their system for testing trucks just by replacing the top panels. There is no need to invest in a completely new system.
More in the March issue of Automotive Testing Technology International.
January 31, 2017
