Carbon Fiber Structure
For the new wind tunnel efficiency center at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, EEW-PROTEC has developed, manufactured and installed a traverse system for positioning the carbon fiber sensors. The dimensions are approx. 12m x 9m x 3,75m.
Probably unique is the possibility to fold the complete Z-system of the truss into a horizontal position, e.g. for acoustic measurements.
Including an aerodynamically designed mandrel made out of carbon fiber, based on a design by the German aerodynamic designer Dr. Bergmann.
Siemens control system (Type 840D) with an interface to the control panel of the wind tunnel, prepared for a fully automatic measuring process based on the 3D shape of Volkswagen vehicles.
Installation and commissioning of the Traverse system in cooperation with Siemens for the commissioning of the control system which is capable of achieving a unique precision and repeatability, despite the gusts of wind over 250 km/hour.
The Challenge
The challenge was to develop a lightweight traverse system to position the measuring sensors even at wind speeds of up to 250 km/h and a dynamic transverse force of approx. 500N by cross flow with minimal deviation and vibrations.
Despite this, the sensors have to move at maximum speed offering maximum precision and repeatability.
250 Km/h
Wind Speed
12 Hz
First lower natural frequency
0,1 mm
Repeativity
1.77 mm
Max bending at 250Km/h at TCP
Advantages in comparison to a steel design
| + Less static and dynamic load to the building structure (8 tons versus approx. 50 tons) |
| + Easy installation and commisioning |
| + Installation independet from civil works |
| + Time saving during measuring of vehicles (more than double) |
| + High accuracy |
| + Less maintenance and service |
| + Very economic due to advantages |
Success
The installation works successfully in VW since 2018.
You can get more info at:
FRAUNHOFER IWES