An essential problem in durability testing exists in the accurate reproduction of test track loading histories on durability test rigs. The RS TWR (Time Waveform Replication) software was developed by two of the partners from The Durability Alliance – IST and LMS, with the specific objective to accelerate this process while safeguarding maximum accuracy.
Reproducing field test conditions on durability test rigs is very challenging due to the high-amplitude related non-linear behavior of components and subassemblies under test. RS TWR accurately defines a system model which is used to experimentally define the rig-specific control signals through an iterative and flexible process. Its dedicated graphical user interface guides the user through the different phases of the drive file development process. In a first phase – system identification – a system model is created which models the test rig and test structure. In a second phase – target simulation – the drive files required to reproduce given road surfaces are determined.
Through the tight integration of RS TWR with the IST RS LabSite durability software, the comparison of target and measured road profiles and the updating of rig control signals can be executed fully automatically. Once the prescribed correlation levels are reached, this iterative process is automatically stopped. Template-based interactions between IST TWR and IST’s digital Labtronic 8800 controller help engineers to set up test rigs quickly, enabling operators to efficiently generate test rig drive files and execute durability test campaigns.
