CALIBRATION OF THE SUN MK IIIC DYNAMOMETER PRIOR TO CONVERSION TO COMPUTER CONTROL

This report is the first of two describing the calibration of the Suntester Sun MK IIIC chassis dynamometer. The reasons for delaying this major calibration stage are given and the report describes non-routine calibration outside the scope of the manufacturer's calibration procedure. It includes the measurement of the dynamometer inertia, its bearing and windage friction losses and the calibration of the speed and torque meters. The speed calibration also includes our test vehicle's instrumentation both on the dynamometer and on the road. A final component of the report deals with the problem of determining a vehicle's aerodynamic drag factor for using the dynamometer in its 'as supplied' analogue electronics control mode. It is demonstrated that the machine can perform the task of replicating our test vehicle's on-road fuel consumption and throttle actuation with acceptable accuracy, although minor deficiencies in rolling resistance setting and lack of load simulation on "over-run" are identified. These defects are overcome in the digital control mode of operation of the dynamometer. The validation of the dynamometer in this latter mode off operation is the subject of the next report. This report is bound with "quantifying motor vehicle Fuel Conservation Strategies" (see TRIS no 396092). (Author/TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Melbourne University, Australia

  Department of Mechanical Engineering, Grattan Street
  Parkville, Victoria 3052,   Australia 
• Authors:
  • Watson, H
  • Milkins, E
  • Preston, M
  • Chittleborough, C
  • Beardsley, P
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 21 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: T56

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Calibration; Chassis; Control systems; Drag; Dynamometers; Electronic control; Errors; Force; Friction; Fuel consumption; Inertia (Mechanics); Measurement; Measuring instruments; Simulation; Speed; Tests; Throttles; Torsion; Vehicles
• ITRD Terms: 5492: Aerodynamics; 6155: Apparatus (measuring); 6171: Calibration; 1353: Chassis; 6440: Error; 5421: Force; 5452: Friction; 232: Fuel consumption; 5491: Inertia; 6136: Measurement; 9103: Simulation; 5408: Speed; 6255: Test; 5512: Torsion; 1255: Vehicle
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00396093
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 31 1986 12:00AM