SOFT-ENGINE "SHOCK" SOFTWARE - SHOCK-ABSORBERS DYNO

The shock-absorber dynamometer softwarre allows all typical tests The software is "friendly", because all data can be visualized/printed in few clicks of mouse: infact, software, obviously, works in WINDOWS^© environment Il software di acquisizione del banco prova ammortizzatore permette tutti i tipi di test che si possono effettuare su un banco prova (WINDOWS  98, WINDOWS Me, WINDOWS XP). 

The software allows these kind of tests:

• SINGLE SPEED TEST: this is a tipical test, only one speed (or frequency) is input at a certain stroke;

• VARIABLE SPEED TEST: several working cycle is available by this kind of test. The speed step can be constant or variable.

• QUICK TEST: sometimes is useful to test the correct working of the shock absorber or the dynamometer without create the diagrams. This test allows a great range of different speeds.

There are some preliminary tests, like

• WARM UP: the shock-absorber is warmed for a selected number of seconds, or until a selected temperature is reached;

• GAS TEST: during this preliminary test the gasseous component of force is measured;

• SEAL DRAG TEST: this test is automatically done when GAS TEST is running. This is a semi-static test to measure the friction internal to the shock-absorber during test .

• THRESHOLD FORCE TEST: by this test it's possible to input a force value (=the threshold) and a speed value. If the shock-absorber force (during the test) is bigger than the threshold, the software aborts the test. This test can be done during the main dynamometer working (=during the acquisition test) or it can be a preliminary test. It is useful to avoid possible shock-absorber breaking during particularly strong tests. 

The software gives these results, like diagrams and charts:

• Force vs Displacement, Speed and Time;

• Force vs absolute Speed and absolute Force vs absolute Speed;

• Peaks of Force vs Velocità assoluta;

• Gas force vs Crank angle;

• Force, Displacement and Speed vs Time;

• Temperature vs Time.

It is also possible to:

• Load the shock-absorber before test;

• Compare different tests.

Data analysis is complete, there are a lot of analysis tools, and so it's possible, for each measured quantity:

• Visualize diagrams and chart;

• Each quantity can be displayed vs Displacement, Speed or Time (if this is significant from a phisic point of view);

• To have the zoom on the displayed diagram;

• To read the curve using a cursor, view of X.-Y diagram values for each quantity, accuracy: 0.1 mm ) The  cursor works cycle by cycle;

• To read the basic results for each cycle;

• To read the peak values;

• To invert the vertical scale of diagrams (expansion on the top, compression on the bottom and vice-versa);

• To change units (International, British and Tecnical);

• To print diagrams and chart on paper. The diagram print can be customized;

• To customize the diagram.

In this software it is immediately possible to choose the right test type (Single speed o variable speed test, a simple click of mouse on the correct icon), and, in the diagram window, it is possible to run the different option using the button on the right (for diagram choice) and on the bottom  (for analysis functions) part oe window. See the following pictures: 

The main software window, for test type choice

Diagram window: use the buttons on the right to change quantity, and use the buttons on the bottom for data analysis

Comparison among different tests

The diagram cursor

Diagram zoom effect

Software allows to measure some quantities like:   Force vs Displacement diagram This diagram (fig. 1a and 1b) is the most used one, because it is immediately known the force values related to the conresponding shock-absorber stroke. It os possible to watch only a cyle  (fig 1a) or more (fig 1b) at one or more frequences. There are some topic points: the  Zero is usually measured at compression half stroke; When the con-rod is at Bottom Death Center (BMC) the shock-absorber is completely  stationary and completely expanded, so, its resistance is zero. When con-rod displaces, theshock-abosrber works in compression and its resistance force increases. Then, the con-rod reaches the Half Stroke Compression Center (HSCC). The shock-absorber is compressed to a speed equal to the flywheel rotation speed: the shock-absorber reaches the max compression. Later, the con-rod reaches the Top Death Center (TDC): the shock-absorber is totally compressed and stationary, so, its resistance is zero. Finally, when the con-rod is at Half-Stroke Extension Center, (HSEC), the shock-absorber is extended to a speed equal to the flywheel rotation speed, the resistance force value is minimum. Later, the con-rod reaches the BDC and a new cycle begins. The conresponding diagram has an elliptical shape, and it is immediately recognizible. The negative force means "compression force", the positive force means "extension force"; the negative displacement means "Compression" and the positive displacement means "Extension".	Fig.1a: Force vs Displacement diagram (one working cycle), constant speed    Fig.1b: Force vs Displacement diagram variable speed   (one working cycle each frequency)
Shock absorber force vs speed diagram This diagram  (fig. 2a e 2b) indicates how the force variates in the time, because the speed is the variation of displacement in the time. It is possible to consider one cycle (fig 2a) or more (fig 2b).  During test a curve creates, both in compression and in extension. The two curves does not coincide because of valve systems inertia and gas (or air) compression influence. They are more complicated diagrams, so they are used seldom.	Fig.2a: Force vs Speed diagram, constant speed  (one working cycle)     Fig.2b: Force vs Speed diagram, variable speed  (one working cycle for each frequency)
Shock-absorber force vs absolute speed diagram: It is a Force vs speed, but speed is always upper than zero. In this way, the F/S diagram becomes easier to read.	Fig.3: Force vs absolute Speed diagram
Shock-absorber peaks force vs speed diagram This diagram also (fig 4) is a variation of Force/Displacement diagram, one cycle or more, constant or variable frequency. For each working cycle the max force is measured conresponding to the velocity, so a peak diagram displayes, then the points are connected by a line for an easier reading. These diagrams put in evidence the force vs peak speeds, and this is the best thing to do to make calibrations.	Fig.4: Peaks of Force vs Speed diagram
Temperature digram: This diagram is used to study the oil temperature  variation vs time during the test.         SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY AND HARDWARE MIN. CONFIGURATION   SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY WITH WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT Software "SHOCK" is compatible with these Windows environments:   Windows 98 (upgrade Windows 98 with USB drivers if necessary) Windows 2000 Windows NT Windows ME Windows Xp (all services pack) Windows Vista 32 bit Windows 7 32 bit     HARDWARE MIN. CONFIGURATION   Processor: Any IBM compatible (suggest:  Pentium IV or more, ATHLON, CELERON etc...), Memory RAM and HD: -At least 512 MB RAM and 2 GB free on hard disk (to have the Windows best performances). CDrom or Dvdrom device: -CDrom or Dvdrom, speed at least 52X. Graphic card: -SVGA graphic card or compatible,  32 bit, best res. 1024x768. Various: -Keyboard, mouse, at least 2 USB free ports (for acquisition data electronic unit and for the possible printer). USB 1.0 and 2.0 port version  complete compatibility. Printer: -Any printer ink deskjet. Complete compatibility with laser printers. Complete compatibility with notebooks or PC.