Brake Inertia Dynamometer

This dynamometer is arranged ‘in-line' with the main elements being flywheel assemblies, brake test area, DC or AC machine and a disc brake. A system of flywheels is mounted onto a common central shaft to simulate the mass of the test vehicle. The minimum inertia is formed by the inertia of the shafts, couplings and disc brake. Variable inertia is obtained by engaging the appropriate flywheels. Precise inertia simulation is obtained by ‘trimming' using the DC or AC machine. The flywheels are engaged manually with a unique support and transfer system or automatically, using electromagnetic clutches. A headstock is provided to mount the brake drum or disc. A tailstock is provided to support the brake shoe or calliper assembly and transmit the reaction torque to a high precision load cell. Speed is measured by an optical encoder and via a tachogenerator. The tailstock traverses on tee-slotted rails for alignment with the brake drum or calliper.