Applications Index : Land
Vehicle Crash & Rollover Testing
Occupant safety in a vehicle crash is the primary reason for crash
testing vehicles. Such testing is an important part of the design
validation process for a new vehicle. Since this testing is so expensive,
it is important to acquire detailed and highly accurate data for each test.
It is also important that the sensors in the vehicle that record the event
be rugged enough to provide accurate data throughout the crash. If the
sensors are destroyed in a crash, the cost of testing will go up
significantly.
When a vehicle is crash or rollover tested, data must be acquired
in all axes of motion in order to reconstruct the most accurate picture of the
test. This means that a triaxial angular rate sensor is required. Watson
Industries produces the ARS-E332-3A, which is ideal for the vehicle testing
industry. Its three gyros provide triaxial rate outputs and it is durable enough to survive
the shocks involved in crash and rollover testing.
Technical Challenges:
The difficulties with providing a gyro sensor for this application
are related to the high shock environment. For vehicle crash and rollover
testing, accuracy and uninterrupted operation through high shocks is needed
along with a rugged design to promote survivability.
The Watson ARS-E332-3A contains our durable VSG-E series of
gyros to meet the shock and survival needs of this demanding application.
Watson Experience:
Watson Industries has been producing Angular Rate Sensors (ARS)
for this market since 1997.
Requirements:
- Rates: ±500°/sec all axes. Custom ranges are available to suit your needs.
- Bandwidth: 80Hz
- Shock: 500 G
- Axis Alignment: Less than ±1° of each other
- Repairable / Serviceable construction
Applicable Products:
Typical Options:
We are able to accommodate your custom needs. Go to our
custom product modifications page
for a listing of the most common custom options we support.
Custom options for this application:
- Added triaxial accelerometers can be added if required. The DMS unit
has accelerometers standard.
