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COMPETITION VEHICLE INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM

During development of the Chrysler Corp. Grand National Div. NASCAR and

USAC race car an instrumentation system was designed and developed for measuring

vehicle aerodynamic, engine, drive train, suspension and vehicle/driver dynamic

performance while undergoing actual high speed race track performance testing. The

system required a completely self-contained package to survive the extremes of the

vehicle itself which included high amplitude shock and vibration, "g" loading temperatures

to over 250°F and possible ’’crash” failure modes.

The system utilized an on-board FM recorder to handle measurement data

from a transducer and signal conditioning system capable of handling 60 channels of

information. The system was designed to interface with PCM telemetry and finally

with a real time selective channel readout and data reduction van (Dodge Motor Home)

housing digital computer to accept and decode digital data.

Some of the typical vehicle performance measurements developed and

utilized on the program included:

Engine Speed

Vehicle Speed

Acceleration (3 axis)

Oil Pressure

Water Temperature

Cooling System Inlet & Outlet Temp.

Oil Cooler Inlet & Outlet Temp.

Oil Level

Ignition System Voltages

Manifold Pressure