The BMW Group has fitted its test facility in Aschheim and its Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Milbertshofen with Messring’s cutting-edge MicroTrack systems. These will improve the precision, target accuracy, and visibility of crash tests. This means that the two propulsion systems are now compatible, i.e. they have the same point of impact. In addition, the two facilities can easily exchange special equipment such as guide elements or non-standard sled test platforms if necessary.
The MicroTrack system features a guide channel measuring just 30 x 70mm, which provides optimum control during acceleration. Unlike conventional track systems where the vehicle or sled is decoupled from the trolley at the start of the film pit, the MicroTrack guides the test vehicle until just before the crash. As a result, the period of uncontrolled movement is extremely short, and the risk of unintended deviations during the interval between decoupling and the crash is almost entirely eliminated.
Each of the BMW facilities took just a few weeks to retrofit. Peter Reichhard, head of testing technology at the BMW Group, noted, “Both facilities are used very intensively, so it’s essential that at least one of them is always available for running tests while upgrade work is being carried out.”
The track system at FIZ measures 135m long while the one in Aschheim is around 120m long. This enables both facilities to carry out vehicle tests with a stationary obstacle. Messring also upgraded the film pit, including the transparent cover, to ensure an almost unrestricted view of the crash tests at both facilities.
6 June, 2016