MTS Systems has delivered the world’s largest rolling road simulation system to DNW (German-Dutch Wind Tunnels), an advanced specialised wind tunnel test facility located 100km north-east of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The system, which was deployed within an aerodynamic wind tunnel, provides a moving ground plane that is critical to accurately replicate the dynamics surrounding aircraft take-offs and landings.
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The data generated by these tests helps aircraft manufacturers in evaluating critical design elements such as how engines are integrated with wing designs and the effects of landing gear and high lift devices.
The 6m-wide rolling road operates at speeds of up to 80m/sec, equivalent to that of rolling road systems used for testing Formula 1 race cars.
In order to ensure simulation accuracy the system’s moving belt is designed to remain flat even at maximum speed and is designed for durability in order to withstand the rigours of powered takeoff simulations when engine exhaust flow is also simulated.
According to MTS Systems, DNW is satisfied with the flatness and reliability of the system, which allows its customers to simulate test conditions as per the requirement at high levels of precision and efficiency.
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By GlobalDataMTS Test senior vice president and general manager Dr. Rich Baker said that the rolling road system delivers the speed, flatness and measurement precision needed to replicate higher landing speeds due to larger aircraft and steeper airport approaches.
"These advancements will allow aircraft manufacturers to engineer innovations in design more quickly and efficiently to optimise an aircraft’s stability, performance and safety during takeoff and landing. It represents a real step forward in aerospace wind tunnel testing," Baker added.
MTS president and CEO Dr. Jeffrey Graves said that the DNW’s new rolling road system will enhance its customers’ ability to bring next-generation aircraft designs to market.
"This new rolling road system will enable DNW to accurately and efficiently conduct the most challenging wind tunnel tests, providing aircraft manufacturers the data they need to enhance designs more quickly and cost-effectively," Graves added.
Image: The rolling road simulation system provides a moving ground plane that is critical to accurately replicate the dynamics surrounding aircraft take-offs and landings. Photo: courtesy of Suzanne T.
