MTS Systems recently updated its industry-leading Flat-Trac CT Plus to meet rapidly evolving tire requirements - driven by heavier vehicles, higher performance demands, and the need for more accurate tire models.
Highly accurate and repeatable, laboratory-based Flat-Trac systems set the global standard for tire force and moment (F&M) testing. The new Flat-Trac CT Plus 10K is MTS’ most powerful passenger car tire F&M system to date, featuring an enhanced tire drive spindle capable of delivering the 10,000 Nm of torque needed to replicate the most extreme driving and braking events. This enables high-fidelity F&M data collection across a tire's full operating envelope - reducing or eliminating the need for extrapolated data and significantly improving model accuracy. Other key system improvements include a re-engineered load frame that delivers higher camber and slip angles, an optimized flat-belt roadway that accommodates larger footprint tires, and new TestSuite Tire software with improved slip ratio controls and an updated tire test definition tool set.
The Flat-Trac CT Plus 10K
The Flat-Trac CT Plus 10K
A. An Enhanced Tire Drive Spindle features a higher torque (6,000-10,000 Nm) permanent magnet electric motor, a higher capacity (up to 10,000 Nm) torque cell and coupling, and a stiffer, higher capacity (30 kN) load cell.
B. A Re-Engineered Frame delivers higher camber (-10°/+45°) and slip (±30°), doubles the system’s natural frequency to ensure stability and precision, and provides safe access for quick and efficient tire change-out and system maintenance.
C. An Optimized Flat-Belt Roadway features a redesigned water bearing that reduces leakage and supports larger footprint tires, a new laser sensor that improves belt tracking, and innovations that improve both system performance and longevity.
D. New TestSuite™ Tire Software provides improved slip ratio vibration controls and an updated tire test definition toolset; the latest FlexTest® Controller delivers increased loop speeds and expanded EtherCAT and CAN Bus support.
E. System Status & Health Monitoring software provides real-time tracking of key Flat-Trac tire test system and SilentFlo Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) performance data via SMS or email alerts from web-enabled smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
F. A new Belt Handling Cart enables a single operator to quickly, safely, and efficiently install and change out stainless steel roadway belts.
G. Next-generation SilentFlo 525 HPUs employ an innovative hybrid combination of efficient Digital Displacement® Pump (DDP) modules and conventional swash plate pump modules to reduce energy use by 35% or more compared to older models.
H. An improved Water Bearing Supply employs a simplified design to enhance ease-of-use and enable more efficient, lower cost operation.
