Gerotek has the facilities, equipment and expertise to determine various vehicle characteristics:

Weight

A vehicle's weight influences its performance and is thus a vital prerequisite for any test.
Gerotek's electronic weigh bridge measures axle and wheel loads as well as total vehicle mass up to a maximum of 10 000 kg per wheel or 20 000 kg per axle.

Various masses are available to simulate a particular payload e.g. dummies, sandbags and metal plates. Great care is taken to ensure not only the correct payload during testing, but also the correct load distribution.

Dimensions

Vehicle dimensions are measured using calibrated equipment in a temperature controlled, level room.

Power and Torque

Gerotek offers a single Roller Dynamometer to measure power and tractive effort at the vehicle's driven wheels, under controlled and repeatable conditions. Engine as well as cooling system performance can be qualified.

Centre of Gravity (CoG)

Two methods can be used to determine a vehicle's centre of gravity:
The first method uses a vehicle's weight distribution and tilt angle to calculate the approximate CoG of the vehicle. The vehicle's suspension can be fixed to enhance accuracy.

The second method uses wheel loads obtained at different angles to calculate the CoG.

Vehicle Ergonomics

Gerotek offers a full ergonomic evaluation of vehicles covering the following aspects:

Ride Response

Ride Response refers to the vehicle's response to random inputs related to normal operating conditions. Measurement is made using accelerometers measuring vibration levels at different positions on the vehicle.

Results are processed to give energy values for a specific spectrum (power spectral density). Power spectral density results can then be compared with specifications for the vehicle's load, or international specifications such as MIL-STD-810.

Moment of Inertia

A vehicle's moment of inertia is calculated using the vehicle's natural frequency in the different directions of freedom. The natural frequency is determined using coil springs of known stiffness to hang the vehicle on one side, while balancing it on the other side with knife edges. The vehicle is then oscillated and the free oscillations are measured using a suitable accelerometer.