Abstract
The paper opens by describing the background of automobile rig testing, with the word “rig” defined as “a contrivance or makeshift with the means at one's disposal”.
A range of equipment is desirable so that rigs can, after use on one particular test, be reassembled to form some other device, after the fashion of a constructional toy.
It is made clear that no indoor test can replace the testing of vehicles on the road, or tractors on the farm, but useful and quickly obtained results can be acquired with certain problems. Such work can be useful supplementary aid to a development programme.
As the essence of the subject is variety and speed, it is felt necessary to give several illustrations to emphasize the simplicity and ingenuity required in rig construction and design. The use of photographs in lieu of engineering drawings as an aid to later reconstruction is mentioned. Test rigs illustrated include those for fatigue failure in suspension, frame, body, and transmission; impact failures; body and chassis weaving; tractor and car transmissions; valve port flow; roller bearing wear; and vehicle air resistance measurements. Sufficient technical data are given to show the scope and results of the tests.
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