The upgraded sled can simulate frontal, off-set and side impacts, providing wider bandwidth data to Millbrook's engineers, as they work with automotive customers to provide improved vehicle occupant safety.
The new equipment replaces an older simulator, known as a HyGe sled, and uses a servo-actuated braking system to control the crash pulse correlation.
With just a few key strokes the computer-controlled crash pulse can be changed – unlike its predecessor, which required partial dismantling to change a metering pin.
Matt Hillam, manager of crash test at Millbrook, says that, along with expansion of the test preparation areas, the new servo sled system can achieve much faster turnaround times, meaning customers can be offered more tests per day to complete their test programmes in less time.
