Test Planning & Preparation
- Develop comprehensive test plans for vehicle dynamics validation, covering aspects such as steering, suspension, braking, and overall vehicle stability.
- Define test criteria and parameters in collaboration with design and engineering teams, ensuring alignment with vehicle performance targets.
- Select appropriate testing methodologies, including physical testing on proving grounds, dynamometers, or simulation-based testing environments.
- Coordinate the preparation of test vehicles, including instrumentation, sensor setup, and calibration for dynamic measurements.
Test Execution
- Conduct on-track and on-road tests to evaluate vehicle dynamics performance, including handling, riding quality, cornering, braking, and stability.
- Perform specific tests such as slalom, lane-change maneuvers, skid pad tests, braking tests, and high-speed stability tests.
- Monitor and record real-time data during tests using data acquisition systems and advanced vehicle dynamics sensors.
- Collaborate with test drivers to gather subjective feedback on vehicle behavior and performance.
- Validate simulation models by comparing them to real-world test results, ensuring consistency between virtual models and actual vehicle behavior.
- Work with cross-functional teams to develop and validate tuning strategies for vehicle dynamics, such as suspension tuning, electronic stability control (ESC) calibration, and brake force distribution.
- Ensure compliance with vehicle dynamics performance standards set by regulatory bodies (e.g., ISO, NHTSA, SAE) and internal corporate requirements.
- Support the refinement of vehicle dynamics control systems, such as active suspension, adaptive dampers, and traction control systems.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze test data to assess vehicle dynamics parameters such as roll rate, yaw rate, pitch, lateral/longitudinal acceleration, understeer/oversteer characteristics, and suspension response.
- Identify trends, anomalies, or performance deviations and work closely with the development team to propose design modifications or tuning adjustments.
- Document test results, creating detailed technical reports that include data plots, graphs, and performance summaries.
- Provide clear recommendations based on test findings to optimize vehicle handling, stability, and ride comfort.
Problem Solving & Troubleshooting
- Identify and diagnose performance issues related to vehicle dynamics, such as instability, excessive body roll, or poor cornering behavior.
- Use root cause analysis techniques (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, FMEA) to investigate and address test failures or deviations from expected performance.
- Collaborate with chassis, powertrain, and electronics teams to resolve dynamic issues and retest for validation.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with design, simulation, and vehicle development engineers to refine dynamic models and suggest design improvements based on test results.
- Communicate test plans, procedures, and results to internal stakeholders, including R&D, product management, and manufacturing teams.
- Collaborate with external partners, such as testing facilities, equipment suppliers, and regulatory bodies, to execute vehicle dynamics tests.
- Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, and validation discussions, presenting findings and influencing design decisions.
