Vehicle & Component Testing

 ASC conducted detailed testing and analysis of a UTV seat belt system to evaluate the web-sensing locking performance during rapid webbing extraction. After designing a custom test fixture with a repeatable actuation mechanism, seat belts from several UTV manufacturers could be benchmarked and compared under similar conditions.  

 ASC investigated disc brake temperatures during high-performance brake tests to assess heat dissipation, brake rotor drag, and system reliability. The findings revealed an insufficient drop in brake rotor temperatures after the brake zones, prompting an improved rotor, brake pad, and overall brake system design that mitigated the issue. 

 ASC performed a dynamic weight distribution analysis of an on-road vehicle under varying driving conditions. Using suspension position sensors affixed to each wheel, the dynamic change in weight on each tire could be determined under braking, acceleration, and cornering. The study uncovered unfavorable weight transfer that negatively impacted handling and stability in foreseeable real-world driving scenarios. 

 ASC Forensics conducted rollover propensity testing by designing and fabricating a custom tilt fixture to measure the location and sensitivity of the vehicle’s center of gravity. The testing evaluated the effects of varying track width, tire sizes, and vehicle configurations on the vehicle's stability. This analysis provided critical insights into whether the aftermarket components installed on the vehicle contributed to the rollover incident.