German automotive major Daimler has introduced a slew of measures combining Dynamic Select with Adaptive Damping System to subject the virtual prototype of new-generation A-Class models to a set of driving situations before translating them into reality.
The virtual test drives, conducted with a configurable suspension setting on two-seat test rig, enable a more detailed testing with setups ranging from hurricanes to desert sands.
While Dynamic Select offers a spectrum of settings as regards road terrains, the Adaptive Damping System takes a stock of how the damping characteristic varies while the vehicle belts down on road.
Experts from Mercedes-Benz have already conducted research at Sindelfingen, Germany, in which simulation demanded deployment of digital prototypes forged with computers.
Drawn from practical trials spanning millions of kilometers, the inputs related to road stretches and suspension are fed to the ride simulator.
With these functional data, the seats mounted on a hexapod would help conduct the simulation as the electrical actuators move in line with digital prototypes.
Earlier, in 2010, Mercedes-Benz launched a 'moving-base' driving simulator, armed with electric power system and a rail for effecting transverse and longitudinal movements, in Sindelfingen. With this, it was possible to perform lane changing and assess the vehicle behavior.
However, the simulators having a 'fixed-base' lacks a motion system hydraulically or electrically powered and instead has the cabin fixed to floor.
