Determn. of motor vehicle reaction in wind - uses measurement of pressure variations in air cushions under each wheel

摘要

The reaction of a motor vehicle in wind is measured by determining pressure variations in air cushions supporting the wheels. Suitable cushions are used on a dynamometer measuring traction forces. Each wheel (R) of a motor vehicle rests on a platform (1) which can be isolated from a surface (2) by a cushion of air (A) which flows through jets (4) in the lower surface (3) and piped (7, 8) from a compressed air source. Pressure sensors (9) are connected to a sealed reservoir (12) of large surface area with a vertical tube (13) extended by an inclined section (14) with graduations (16). The inclined section increases sensitivity permitting small changes in pressure to be observed.