Brake and clutch manufacturer AP Racing says that its new noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) dynamometer is now fully operational, further enhancing the capabilities of the company’s new R&D facility in Coventry, UK.
The company has invested £1.5m (US$2m) in the Model 3900 dyno from specialist manufacturer Link, and says the equipment will enable AP to ramp up development and testing of high-performance braking systems for race and road vehicle markets.
Using the dyno, AP says it can simulate all braking maneuvers performed on a vehicle, ranging from high-speed stops and track use, to low-speed brake drag protocols. The dyno also includes an environmental control chamber capable of mounting the vehicle suspension corner and performing temperature and humidity controlled tests from -40°C to +70°C.
In addition to the core NVH capabilities, the dyno has fixtures that enable AP’s engineers to measure brake drag (important for range-sensitive electric vehicles) and mount vehicle suspension corners for more detailed NVH studies. The dyno facility is designed to run unmanned during many of the standardized tests, which further reduces product development lead times as testing can be carried out 24 hours a day.
David Hamblin, MD of AP Racing, enthused, “We are excited to see the NVH dynamometer installed and fully operational. It is a hugely impressive piece of machinery with exceptionally precise R&D capabilities. This latest investment completes the next step in our growth plan and is further evidence of the company’s commitment to maintaining a world-class R&D facility here in Coventry.”
