VBOX TEST SUITE (VTS) - PLUGINS
VBOX Test Suite comes equipped with Performance Test and Brake Test plugins as standard. Click on the relevant links below to find out more about specific test plugins.
Performance Test
This allows for basic acceleration or deceleration tests to be conducted by selecting a speed at which the test will start, and either a speed or distance at which it will end.
In the Performance plugin, the start of a test can be defined via a CAN channel - such as RPM or throttle position.
Brake Test
Designed so that engineers can conduct brake stop testing that conforms to regulations specified in all regions, the brake test plugins are configured to produce results based on speed to speed parameters; or by a variety of altenative inputs - such as trigger, brake pressure or position values.
Tests can be run within a tightly defined set of criteria, such as between temperature ranges. Centreline deviation is automatically calculated during each run, and thresholds can be applied to ensure that the operative gets immediate feedback on the validity of results.
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The plugin also produces a comprehensive report that includes all the relevant test results along with the engineer's notes.
Longitudinal Aquaplane
The VTS Longitudinal Aquaplane plugin can be used to denote a threshold slip value for each wheel, providing the user with the opportunity to choose between reaching the aquaplane condition when one, or all of the tyres, exheed this value.
It provides the ability to set pre-entry test conditions in order to ensure the vehicle is in a steady state before the test begins, and automatically calibrates wheel speeds simply by driving at a constant speed - removing the restraints of having to calibrate within the test area.
Lateral Aquaplane
As test entry speeds increase, the lateral acceleration obtained will also increase. However, once the vehicle starts to aquaplane the acceleration values start to tail-off.
By closely monitoring the vehicle's lateral acceleration throughout the test procedure, the VTS Lateral Aquaplane plugin produces a comprehensive report outlining in detail the maximum acceleration obtained and how quickly, and to what degree, this value decreases when the tyres begin to aquaplane.
This data can be directly compared to other tyre compounds to provide engineers with the information needed to grade tyre performance in wet corner conditions.