Automotive test bench.

MB Dynamics has announced the global market introduction of the Model BHP/EPB, a test bench for automotive brake hydraulic pressure (BHP) & electric parking brake (EPB) systems R&D.

The Model BHP/EPB test bench accurately measures and controls the hydraulic pressure and EPB power levels applied to brake calipers and drums during automotive squeak and rattle, or BSR testing, under a variety of pressure conditions. It does so, in accordance with GMW16316, “Objective Brake Component Squeak & Rattle Test” procedures. The test bench also supports automotive brake caliper development and qualification testing, during which articles are subjected to various automated brake fluid pressures & EPB controls. It further allows for mileage accumulation, performance cycling, and other forms of brake durability testing, with full manual control of brake caliper parameters, as required for troubleshooting, warranty, and other R&D requirements.

This automotive test bench software commands the system to either perform data acquisition and control of applied brake pressures; or, to apply and/or release the EPB. Varied hydraulic brake and EPB caliper pressure levels may be applied according to timing diagrams, with automated cycling of different pressures, ramp rates, ON/DWELL times, OFF times, and total test times. Displayed test bench data may be saved at any time and exported to either an Excel or a Windows-based PC clipboard.

@EmbassyGloba #MBDynamics #Automotive #Testing

Lateral excitation stand.

MB Dynamics has announced the global market introduction of its Lateral Excitation Stand.

The MB Dynamics Lateral Excitation Stand can be used to help reduce measurement errors which can arise during experimental modal surveys. It does so, by offering versatile modal exciter suspension and support, as well as by applying force to a test structure in one of two unique ways: either horizontally, into the side of a test structure; or, obliquely, beneath a test structure. The stand further allows exact modal exciter positioning, in either horizontal or vertical direction, while still accommodating a maximum suspended load of up to 60 kg.

Designed by 40-year global industry experts in experimental modal analysis, the stand offers seamless compatibility with MB Dynamics’ own industry best-selling MODAL 50A and MODAL 110 exciter systems, of which more than 1,300 remain successfully installed in the field. The main structural parts of the Lateral Excitation Stand are constructed of a lightweight, durable, and rugged aluminum, while its rubber-footed adjustable steel legs offer added stability.

The Lateral Excitation Stand may also be used in combination with tensioned piano wire or compression stingers to help reduce measurement errors arising from unmeasured transverse forces. This, given that tension-only stingers can be used to apply axial forces without the typical sideloads which can otherwise contaminate measured data. When a piano wire stinger is properly suspended via four supplied turnbuckles, it connects to a test item’s force sensor via the modal exciter’s through-hole and corresponding base, along with any required inertial masses. The piano wire stinger then wraps around a pulley. Any required static preload force is applied via a small hand winch, with a series of quarter-turn handles used to secure the lateral arm and pulley. A low gear-ratio hand crank facilitates easy vertical adjustments of the suspended stinger over a range of 305 mm to 1415 mm. Upon application of sufficient static preload forces, as to exceed dynamic force, the piano wire stinger is secured by tightening the Dumore Chuck within the exciter’s moving element. As the Lateral Excitation Stand allows the modal exciter to be set atop its lateral arm and rotated more precisely about its trunnion base, the MODAL 50A or MODAL 110 exciter system can therefore provide excitation at virtually any angle, with up to a 300 mm horizontal adjustment rate, and with exciter motion properly isolated from the test stand.

Typical applications for the MB Dynamics Lateral Excitation Stand include virtually any experimental modal survey application incorporating the company’s own MODAL 50A and MODAL 110 exciter systems. These include, though may not be limited to, aircraft and automotive testing, civil engineering, power generation, and test & measurement applications. 

@EmbassyGlobal #MBDynamics #PAuto #TandM 

1300 exciters!

MB Dynamics have announced the 1300th successful field installation of its Modal 50A exciter. With this milestone, the Modal 50A has now become MB Dynamics’ best-selling modal exciter worldwide.

The Modal 50A exciter was 100% designed and developed at the company’s USA based global corporate headquarters and R&D center, by an in-house engineering team that is comprised of multiple 40-year global experts in modal testing. Several team members were also formerly professors at the famed University of Cincinnati Structural Dynamics Research Laboratory.

Key R&D goals for the MB Dynamics Modal 50A exciter centered around addressing the most common problems associated with the use of traditional shakers in modal testing. At the time of initial Modal 50A design, most industry modal exciters lacked portability; had complex setup and installation requirements; and exhibited certain operational accuracy deficiencies. The Modal 50A exciter therefore needed the necessary reliability and performance for support of a diverse array of modal and structural testing requirements, ranging from smaller test articles up thru mid- to full-size automobiles. MB Dynamics aimed to accomplish this versatility, while still ensuring a modal exciter which could reliably deliver 50 pounds of dynamic force.

The 1” pk-pk continuous stroke (optional 30 mm pk-pk) of the Modal 50A exciter, with 1.1” between stops, offers reliable and sufficient excitation for both flexible structures and low-frequency “suspended shaker” tests. Its lightweight (less than 0.33 lbs.) armature provides a reliable excitation source for the modal testing of small articles with minimized mass loading. A unique armature design allows for important and dramatic reductions in force drop-off at test article resonances. In addition, the Modal 50A’s broad usable frequency range, from DC to 5000 Hz, allows it to accommodate virtually any modal survey type, including multi-shaker random, single-point random, multi-point sine dwell, and burst random.

The relatively compact (11.5” x 7.5” x 9.25”) and lightweight (55 pounds inclusive of trunnion base) footprint of the Modal 50A facilitates its ease of installation within space constrained environments. The exciter, its easy-mount inertial masses, and related accessories may be easily setup and operated by a single person, including in remote locations. The trunnion base of the Modal 50A incorporates two unique hand-knobs and three screw feet, allowing for exciter adjustments to be performed at virtually any excitation angle. A quick connect/disconnect feature for additional masses is also used to provide large inertial restraint during low-frequency modal testing, while a series of quick disconnect turnbuckles allow for both adjustable suspension and ease of 6DoF positioning. Low armature axial suspension stiffness (<15 lbs./in) further ensures that Modal 50A exciter dynamics may be decoupled from the test specimen. The exciter can also drive cable lengths ranging from 30 to 100 (optional) feet.

The process of attaching the Modal 50A exciter to a test structure is simplified via streamlined onboard fixturing. This includes a center bore clearance hole which extends through the armature, housing, trunnion base and inertial masses, and which allows for unlimited shaker positioning along the stinger axis. A collet chuck allows for the gripping of either a “one size fits all” threadless stinger or a “piano wire” stinger, in sizes from 0.020″ to 0.12″ (0.5 to 3.0 mm). Use of the “piano wire” stinger decouples force inputs in all directions except for that of the driven axis, thereby avoiding cross-axis force measurement errors. An oscillatory force of 50 pounds keeps required preloaded tension to the stinger, thereby eliminating buckling problems, while still delivering exciter peak dynamic force. These and other combined features allow the Modal 50A exciter to provide superior forcing functions, along with the virtual elimination of common measurement errors associated with bending moments, side loads, and end-user reliance on traditional stinger compression loading functionality. 

Recommended optional accessories for the Modal 50A exciter, also available from MB Dynamics, include the MB500VI amplifier; an exciter system accessory kit; and the new lateral excitation test stand. The MB500VI amplifier, when used in combination with the Modal 50A exciter and as part of a seamless modal measurement system, can virtually eliminate mass loading effects on smaller test items. The accessory kit includes a full set of compatible hardware, such as chucks, turnbuckles, nuts, bolts, bolt-on masses, and wrenches for bolt-on masses and stingers, as well as a user manual and extra storage for both stingers and load cells.

In addition, the new MB Dynamics lateral excitation test stand provides versatile horizontal or vertical suspension and overall system support for the Modal 50A exciter during experimental modal surveys, including greater distributed input energy uniformity and improved signal-to-noise ratios.  

@EmbassyGlobal #mbdynamics #Pauto 

Extremely quiet vibration exciter systems.

MB Dynamics (MB) has announced the 600th successful field installation of its Energizer™ extremely quiet vibration exciters for buzz, squeak and rattle (BSR) testing.

Offered in four unique sizes and models, and under the tradenames of Energizer BLACK, BLUE, RED, and SILVER, respectively, each vibration exciter offers its own unique peak force and maximum payload specifications. The exceptionally low operating background noise of the MB Energizer Series actually fulfills Noise Rating Curve 18 requirements. When running a typical S&R random vibration profile, Energizer Series noise levels are consistently below 28 dB(A) and at less than 1 Sone N10 Stationary Zwicker Loudness. These features allow an end-user to effectively support a variety of demanding BSR testing and evaluation requirements while reducing risks of measurement uncertainty caused by the presence of unwanted vibration exciter noise within the BSR test environment.

Among Series models, the Energizer SILVER vibration exciter, in particular, has been formally designated for the support of automotive industry subjective and objective BSR evaluations as set forth within GMW14011, GM7293TP, BMW PR311-2 and PSA, “specification bruit parasites”, as well as within several Hyundai engineering standards, making the Energizer Series truly industry best-in-class among its peers for any such requirements.

The robust design of each MB Energizer Series vibration exciter incorporates a proprietary, permanent magnetic-based technology. That technology is combined with the patented, quiet and stiff frictionless suspension of the Energizer Series’ moving element, thereby eliminating the need for noisy cooling fans and blowers. Each Energizer Series vibration exciter system further includes 2:1 and 3:1 force multiplying lever arms, thereby increasing exciter force output by 2X or 3X, respectively, along with air spring load support of up to 90 kg for vertical testing.

For non-BSR work, as such BSR aging and durability testing, the Energizer Series further offers forced air cooling. This feature helps an end-user to double uncooled vibration exciter force outputs. Thermal shutdown protection is also included to prevent the vibration exciter from overheating. Also offered is a chamber readiness kit, for proper use of the Energizer Series within environmental test chambers operating from -40°C to +65°C, including humidity.

The MB Energizer Series features trunnion bases for either vertical or horizontal operation. The vibration exciters are also available with end-user choices of multiple mounting table sizes. Each table is large enough for test items, yet small enough to minimize speaker effects which can otherwise radiate unwanted noise. Horizontal Moving Tables (HMT) are available for quiet horizontal testing using the same patented quiet flexures. They further incorporate quiet, no oil-film slip tables and guidance bearings for additional payload support during X- and Y-axis testing. A series of air casters and air lifter accessories are also available for moving the Energizer Series vibration exciter over smooth floors or the tops of a T-slot base plate. Other accessories and customization may be available, as well as test engineering service support. Please consult the team at MB Dynamics for applications assistance.

 #PAuto #MBDynamics

Accelerometer calibration.

MB Dynamics (MB) has announced the global market launch of its Win475 MULTI-DUT CRASH-CAL (MDCC) automated accelerometer calibration system.

The MB Dynamics Win475 MDCC increases metrology center throughput and productivity by facilitating the accurate, efficient, and simultaneous automated calibrations of up to eight (8) single axis piezoresistive accelerometers (DUT’s) of the same model and type, over a frequency range of 10 to 4000 Hz, complying with SAEJ211, SAE2570, and other global automotive industry test standards. Its versatile design further supports the automated single calibrations of non-piezoresistive DUT’s, including piezoelectric, IEPE, voltage and velocity sensors, over frequencies from 5 Hz to 15 kHz. These combined features can help calibration technicians to achieve a measurable 70%-time savings over single-DUT calibration methods with greater accuracy and repeatability.

As a complete turnkey system, the industry-exclusive design of the Win 475 MDCC automated accelerometer calibration system seamlessly integrates MB’s own Model CAL25AB air bearing exciter, together with its Model 407-8X multi-channel signal conditioner; MB 500VI power amplifier; and proprietary MB Win475 MDCC software, further supported by an industry standard NI DAQ card.

Other system components include an internal removable reference (REF) accelerometer with 100 mV/g sensitivity and usable frequency range to 15 kHz, further traceable to national standards and ISO 17025; an eight-DUT test instrument mounting fixture (TIMF) adaptor plate; a single-DUT TIMF; a 475PCM module; a Windows 10 PC, monitor, keyboard and printer; a calibration accessory kit; user manuals; and system installation, start-up and training support.

As a multi-DUT automated calibration system, the MB Win475 MDCC quickly and efficiently measures and saves relevant accelerometer characteristics, such as ZMO, Zin and Zout, as well as input & output impedance values. Its versatility and flexibility allow an end-user to choose from among seven (7) individual (six internal, one external) high-precision resistors for shunt calibration. The system also reads onboard sensor electronic identifications, such as 1-Wire Dallas ID memory chips or TEDS piezoelectric accelerometers (per IEEE 1451). The MB MDCC system may be further integrated into customer-specified databases for additional automation capabilities with reduced calibration data transference errors.

The automation afforded by the MB Win475 MDCC mitigates the risks of human errors inherent to manual accelerometer calibration systems, thereby freeing up technicians for other measurement tasks. The increased frequency of accelerometer calibrations afforded by system further helps technicians to improve in-laboratory test data quality and productivity while reducing documentation errors. The system has proven especially useful within crash test and automotive safety test laboratory environments, in applications where larger volumes of piezoresistive accelerometers are in use, therefore requiring more frequent recalibrations. In addition, the MB Win475 MDCC provides a number of value-added end-user benefits, including bottom-line cost savings, with its elimination of outsourced calibration service needs; implementations of more efficient and effective in-house calibration processes; and simplifications of internal record-keeping accuracy, further aiding in ISO audit compliance.

The Win475 MDCC automated accelerometer calibration system is also accompanied by full technical support, with in-house customer training provided by the 40-year calibration experts at MB Dynamics.

#Automotive @MBDynamics @EmbassyGlobal

Calibration for crash test accelerometers.

MB Dynamics, Inc. (MB) has announced the global market launch of its Win475 CRASH-CAL automated accelerometer calibration system, offering a measurable 50% time-savings over traditional sequential calibration methods.

The industry-exclusive design of the CRASH-CAL system seamlessly integrates MB’s own Model CAL25AB air bearing shaker, together with its Model 407-8X multi-channel signal conditioner; MB 500VI power amplifier; and proprietary Win475 CRASH-CAL software, facilitating the accurate, efficient, and simultaneous calibrations of up to eight piezoresistive accelerometers (DUT’s) of the same model and type, over a frequency range of 10 to 4000 Hz, complying with SAEJ211, SAE2570, and other global automotive industry test standards. Its versatile design further supports individual calibrations of non-piezoresistive DUT’s, including charge mode and IEPE accelerometers, in frequencies from 5 Hz to 10 kHz.

The MB CRASH-CAL system automatically measures and saves relevant accelerometer characteristics, such as ZMO, Zin and Zout, as well as input & output impedance values. As a highly flexible system, an end-user can choose from among seven individual (six internal, one external) high-precision resistors for shunt calibration. The system also reads onboard sensor electronic identifications, such as 1-Wire Dallas ID memory chips or TEDS piezoelectric accelerometers (per IEEE 1451). The MB CRASH-CAL may be further integrated into customer-specified databases for additional automation capabilities with reduced calibration data transference errors.

System automation mitigates the risks of human errors inherent to manual calibration systems, thereby freeing up technicians for other measurement tasks. The increased frequencies of accelerometer calibrations afforded by the MB CRASH-CAL can lead to improved test data quality and reduce measurement uncertainty. The system has proven especially useful within crash test, in applications where larger volumes of piezoresistive accelerometers are in use, both on the vehicle and ATD’s therefore requiring more frequent recalibrations. In addition, the MB CRASH-CAL provides a number of value-added end-user benefits, including bottom-line cost savings, with its elimination of outsourced calibration service needs; implementations of more efficient and effective in-house calibration processes; and simplifications of internal recordkeeping accuracy, further aiding in ISO audit compliance.

As with all MB products, the CRASH-CAL system is accompanied by full technical support, with in-house training provided by recognized industry calibration experts of nearly 40 years.

#MBDynamics #Calibration

Exciter system for Large-Scale Modal Testing.

MB Dynamics, Inc. (MB) has announced its Modal 1000 exciter system for large-scale modal and structural testing.

The MB Modal 1000 can excite sine forces of up to 4000N (900 lbf), with a 2-inch (50 mm) peak-to-peak stroke and 1. 5 m/s peak velocity (60 inches per second), at frequencies from DC to 2000 Hz. Both thermal shutdown protection and overtravel control are provided as standard features.

The unique armature design of the MB Modal 1000 incorporates a “weak” suspension. The suspension may be fine-positioned to the test article using DC current. This is a particularly useful feature within lower-frequency response applications, such as ground vibration testing, where a DC-coupled exciter/amplifier may be in use. The armature’s lower weight further minimizes mass loading effects on the test article while reducing force drop-off at resonance. This avoids test article contamination during parameter extractions at each natural frequency. Additionally, the use of weak suspension means that the armature applies no extra force. Exciter dynamics are therefore de-coupled from measured test article dynamics for improved measurement data integrity.

The MB Modal 1000 exciter system may be used as either a stand-alone unit or paired with an MB P-Series power amplifier. The amplifier is housed within a 750 mm high, 19-inch rack cabinet and operates from 208-240V AC single-phase power. Supporting stingers, used to apply forces to the test article without exciter interference, are also available, measuring hex rod x 400 mm long with ¼-28 threads on each end.

Beyond its unique standard features, the MB Modal 1000 exciter system is offered with several customization options. Among them, the end-user capability to operate supporting amplifiers directly from a PC, allowing for amplifier positioning closer to the exciters. Test reliability is therefore improved, as drive cable lengths are minimized, with reduced risks of diminished force outputs caused by cable voltage drops. Also available is an optional automated ON/OFF exciter cooling package. Here, the cooling package engages only when the exciter heats up, in direct response to increasing levels of requested modal excitation forces. This protects the exciter from overheating, a particularly useful feature when end-users must oversee multiple test setups. As the package only engages when necessary, energy requirements of both the exciter and cooling package are optimized. The cooling package may be further specified with an optional <60 dBA Quiet Enclosure. Other optional accessories include piezoelectric force sensors to 4448 N (1000 lbs.), in tension and compression modes, with 5 mV/lb. (1.1 mV/N) sensitivities; and a supporting accessory kit. Full engineering consulting support is also available upon request, with all services provided by recognized industry experts of more than 35 years.

Typical applications for the MB Modal 1000 exciter system include structural damage detection; larger-scale advanced structural dynamics investigations, of buildings, bridges and commercial aircraft; aerospace ground vibration testing; large-scale experimental modal analysis, incorporating MIMO, MISO, SISO and SIMO techniques; FEM correlation and validation; and smaller-scale structural testing with higher-level vibration inputs.

#MB #PAuto #Test

Business development at noise & vibration experts!

MB Dynamics has announced the appointment of Craig Aszkler as its new director of business development.

Craig Aszkler

MB Dynamics president, Richard McCormick, noted, “MB Dynamics is pleased to welcome Craig Aszkler to our team. He brings to his new position an already deep working knowledge of our offerings, customers, and the marketplace. This allows him, and MB Dynamics, to hit the ground running with an expanded world-class team, while immediately offering new and existing customers those value-added benefits.”

In this new role, he will be supporting MB Dynamics’ strategic sales growth objectives via the expansion and diversification of the company’s vibration, shock and acoustic test systems business, as well as its calibration and engineering service offerings, all within target markets and geographies of focus. Those efforts shall further include the building of strategic alliances with industry partners to create leading-edge solutions. Mr. Aszkler will also support customer technical troubleshooting requirements, acting as a liaison between sales and engineering.

Mr. Aszkler is a 25-year veteran of the testing and instrumentation space. He has served in a progressive series of leadership roles across the industry, including 13 years as the former vibration division manager at PCB Piezotronics (PCB). During his PCB tenure, He achieved an unprecedented 15% year-on-year worldwide growth metric across all product lines of responsibility, while continuing to evolve the company’s shock, vibration and acoustic sensing technologies for automotive, aerospace, power generation, test and measurement and industrial requirements. His proven operational and executive leadership expertise led to subsequent roles as the president of the Tulsa, OK-based Gunnebo Johnson; and most recently, as president and general manager of Stahl Truck Bodies.

He is Bachelor of Science in Physics from Siena College; a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo; and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester William E. Simon Graduate School of Business.

 #MBDynamics #PAuto