As Joshua Thompson, Systems Engineer at BLOODHOUND Programme states: "Measuring the ride height is a critical measurement parameter on the BLOODHOUND Supersonic Car. We need to know the exact distance between the wheels and the ground to see how far into the ground the wheels sink during trials."
The objectives of the ride height tests at Jaguar were twofold. As Joshua Thompson explains: "First, we needed to test the performance of the ride height sensors under harsh, on-vehicle conditions. We also wanted to verify that our software could correctly interpret the measurement data coming from the sensors. On both counts, the tests were successful."
For the ride height tests, two optoNCDT 1700 laser displacement sensors were mounted side-by-side to an adapted tow bar at the rear of the Jaguar XF. "We wanted to compare the measurement data coming from the two sensors, which were set up at a measuring range of 300mm from the ground [the midrange of the sensor] to measure the ride height of the car. In the record attempt itself, one ride height sensor will be mounted to each of the four wheels on the car," adds Thompson.
Flawless performance
During the tests, the car was accelerated up to a maximum of 50mph, as the off-road conditions were too muddy and bumpy for higher speeds to be reached. However, as Thompson states, "the two optoNCDT 1700 sensors performed flawlessly during the tests. They captured the data we required and there were no discrepancies between the two sensors in terms of the analogue output data they provided."
Read more http://www.micro-epsilon.co.uk/news/2015/UK_ME239_Bloodhound_Jaguar_ride_height_testing/index.html
For more information on the optoNCDT 1700 series of non-contact laser displacement sensors, please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on 0151 355 6070 or email info@micro-epsilon.co.uk
