54 PRODUCT PROFILE
Dynamic contact force rig
The Dynamic Contact Force Rig (DCFR) is a new state-of-the-art tyre testing technology that
has been developed by A&D
VehicleDynamicsInternational.com •November/December 2019
ABOVE: Dynamic
contact forces can
be measured at the
tyre contact patch,
reproducibly and
at high speeds
BELOW: The DCFR
is a modified rolling
drum machine with
an embedded array
of small force
sensors
steady-state conditions can be measured;
however, further research is being
done to allow transient dynamics to be
measured. Ultimately, this technology
has allowed A&D to produce a highly
accurate representation of all three
forces at the contact patch.
It is imperative that tyre testing and
development evolves to keep up with the
demands of ever-improving technology.
Autonomous vehicles, electrification,
and environmental concerns all bring
unique challenges for tyres. To meet
››A&D, an international specialist
in the development of tyre
testing technology, has created
what it claims is a new standard for tyre
testing. The company has developed an
innovative, state-of-the-art tyre testing
rig, which measures the distribution
of dynamic contact forces at the tyre
patch at high speeds and in reproducible
conditions. This technology offers
several improvements over existing
technology, and A&D is confident it will
be considered the standard for creating
accurate depictions of contact patch
dynamics for tyre development.
In simple terms, the DCFR machine
is a modified rolling drum machine
with a compact embedded sensor array
(4mm x 4mm cross-section), and three
force sensor components (called the
‘Force Matrix Sensor’ (FMS)). As the
drum rotates, the FMS passes through
the entire contact patch, measuring the
dynamic forces. However, during each
rotation only one piece of the tyre is
measured.
By being placed on a rolling drum,
multiple data sets can be captured and
the dynamic contact forces around
the entire circumference of the tyre
identified. Using this method, only
each set of these demands, further
innovation is required. Thus DCFR
offers users the ability to develop a new
class of tyres, with both reliability and
safety in mind. Accurate and repeatable
measurement of the dynamic contact
force distribution at the tyre patch is a
revolutionary development in this area,
and A&D is leading the way for sustained
improvements in tyre testing technology.
A&D has years of experience in
creating high-quality test equipment.
The company’s product lineup also
includes flat-track test rigs, rolling
drum machines, tyre stiffness testers,
and on-board vehicle sensors. Each
machine offers exceptional accuracy
and repeatability through the use of
patented model-based sensor technology.
Not only does A&D offer world-class
testing equipment, the company also
offers testing services. Whether it be
testing on the DCFR to identify contact
patch dynamics, testing on a flat
track test rig to collect data for tyre
modelling, or running real vehicle tests
on a test track, A&D can do it all.
READER INQUIRY SERVICE
To learn more from A&D, visit
www.magupdate.co.uk/pvdi
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