Tasked with increased responsibility for model development, engineers at Toyota’s technical centre in Zaventem, Belgium, have expanded their suite of analysis tools to manage the higher workload more effectively. LMS Test Lab, already used at the centre to test noise vibration and harshness (NVH), has become more widely implemented, replacing older software applications from other vendors.
The centre opened in 1987 initially to homologate new models for Europe; fully developed prototypes from Japan were evaluated to ensure that they met European NVH regulations. Any changes required were passed back to Toyota in Japan for approval and implementation.
To improve the efficiency of product development, engineers at Zaventum are now responsible for setting NVH targets for European models and subsequent prototype testing and refinement. Based on global platforms, upper body development is done in Europe for Europe.
The key tool used for NVH testing is LMS Test Lab, comprising software and acoustic measuring equipment and providing virtual and physical testing of the body-in-white, components, sub-assemblies and full vehicles.
For new programs, virtual testing can identify problem areas at the earliest stage, allowing designs to be changed before expensive prototypes are built. Conversely, physical testing of an existing model can provide the quickest focus for NVH investigation when considering the design of variants, such as estates and coupés. Engineers also use Test Lab to benchmark competitor vehicles.
Physical testing can be carried out with laboratory and mobile technologies, allowing a flexible approach to test programme planning and implementation. The software and user interface in both systems is identical, which speeds familiarity and enables a flexible approach to testing. Bruno Massa, director corporate marketing, LMS International, said: “The same engineer who tests in the lab in the morning can then collect data at the test track in the afternoon.”
Another advantage of Test Lab is that results are displayed in real time, allowing rapid identification of problems. The software has been made easier to use, enabling more NVH engineers to perform advanced analyses than was possible with previous releases of the software.
Stijn Peeters, noise and vibration engineer, Toyota Motor Europe technical centre, said: “By providing the capability to accurately pinpoint problem sources and quickly arrive at appropriate corrective actions, LMS Test Lab enables our NVH engineers to work more efficiently in getting projects completed sooner with few prototype testing cycles.”
Data exchange between Test Lab and other NVH systems at the centre is aided by the use of a proprietary data format: LMS is a partner in the association for standardisation of automation and measuring systems (ASAM), founded in 1998 to provide standards for companies involved with data acquisition, management and evaluation, test rig automation, simulation and development of in–vehicle control systems.
Toyota’s technical centre is also responsible for diesel engine and major component design and evaluation for Europe.
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