HYGETM
Crash System
Design Overview
HYGETM
was originally developed for shock and impact testing of military
control hardware. The design was, and still is, subject to rigid
US military specifications for capacity, performance, quality,
and safety. The reaction block, cylinders, and rail pillars
have been modeled using the finite element method to ensure
the necessary rigidity and strength under all conditions with
generous safety margins. The resulting over design of the HYGETM
enables it to operate with heavier payloads and to provide a
wider range of tests than other sled acceleration systems.
The
standard 12-inch HYGETM,
with its 225,000 pounds of thrust (1.1 M Newtons), is capable
of testing light trucks and sport utility vehicles, as well
as passenger car bucks. The HYGETM
system can be used for off-axis force tests for side-impact
simulation. It may also be fitted with a sled that provides
pitching motion as well as linear acceleration.
Accuracy and
Repeatability
The most important features of the HYGETM
is the accuracy and repeatability of the reaction. The form
of the metering pin and the gas volume in each cylinder can
be precisely controlled, producing exactly the desired pulse
to within 2% each time the system is fired. The simple mechanical
design of the HYGETM
provides this repeatability over many years of active service.
Because of the HYGETM
long operation capabilities systems with over 25,000 tests have
been relocated to new locations to continue use. Many of the
installed 12-inch HYGETM
systems in operation today have performed over 30,000 tests.
The workload has been increasing in resent years with systems
being scheduled for over 1,000 shots per year. With this heavy
workload the HYGETM
still performs the accurate and reliable testing required.
Reproducibility
Provides Efficiency and Convenience
The HYGETM
pulse is also extremely reproducible. Pulses produced on one
HYGETM system
can be precisely duplicated on another HYGETM
system using the same metering pin, or one of the same design.
This enables component suppliers and auto manufacturers to share
testing programs and metering pins between different HYGETM
installations. This is extremely advantageous to component suppliers,
since virtually every automobile manufacturer in the world has
one or more 12-inch HYGETM
systems.
Pulse
Shaping
With the sectional metering pin and the metering pin development
software, pulse shapes can be developed, reproduced or modified
in little time.
Optional
Lightweight
Sled for Greater Versatility
This option reduces sled weight by 600 pounds, extending the
HYGETM to cover
a wider range of tests by increasing both acceleration and payload
capabilities.
The changeover from the standard sled to the lightweight
sled is simple and takes only a few hours, with no engineering
and minimal mechanical work required. We also offer a rotating
turret sled, allowing complete 360 degree rotation of test specimens.
The rails the sled travels on may be installed
either on piers raised from floor or flush to floor surface
at user discretion. The raised rail system is the most preferred
by users, because it places the specimen at a more comfortable
working height, resulting in fewer potential back stress/injuries
to personnel. Either installation plan allows the HYGETM
to be relocated to a new facility in the future.
