Feature

University race team uses LG Motion actuators for tyre testing rig

The University of Bath tyre test rig is used to analyse the cornering grip produced by the various race tyres used by Team Bath Racing.

03/09/2014 10:51:28

It does this by ‘steering’ the tyre relative to a rolling road and measuring the resulting cornering force produced.

Traditionally, the steering action has been completed incrementally by manually adjusting the tyre slip angle, an arduous and time-consuming activity. The new linear actuator, provided by LG Motion, allows for this steering action to be completed automatically, following the pre-programmed commands of the user.

This dramatically increases the amount of data that can be extracted from the rig in a given test period. This is also allows for far more accurate position control than what can be achieved ‘by eye’, reducing experimental uncertainties.

The actuator was used for the 2014 winter tyre tests, with the slip angle being adjusted by rotating the actuator motor by hand to achieve the required actuator position.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.