Loads are the forces applied to structures or transmitted by structural members. They may be static or dynamic, may act downwards or push or pull structures in all directions. Knowing the forces acting on or within a structure can help explain a structure’s response – the cause of a premature failure, for example. Determining real-world loads is critical in troubleshooting as well as in product design.
First steps in determining loads might include:
- Developing a measurement method
- Designing and building transducers if required
- Developing a laydown to use existing components to measure loads if possible
- Developing calibration methods to extract required loads from test measurements
Vehicle Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA)
Generally conducted at proving grounds, special events, public roads or international venues, RLDA is a form of unattended data collection that measures a vehicle response to road loads. Anywhere from 32 to 200+ data channels can be used to collect operating data. Data may be downloaded on-site or via remote devices. RLDA is used for test-based design validation using random vibration or simulation rig testing.