Track/Skidpad

Our 147-acre test facility in Phoenix includes a two-mile oval track, durability course, and ten-acre skid pad which allow engineers to study vehicle performance.

Oval Track

The two-mile oval track surrounds a large part of the facility and is designed for tests such as mileage endurance and braking tests, which require a continuous track. The track features banked curves with a neutral steer at approximately 45 mph for low lateral acceleration turns.

Endurance and Ride Quality Course

Included as a part of the oval track is a 1700 foot course designed for endurance and ride quality testing. Road characteristics simulated by these concrete surfaces include random chuckholes, a sine-wave generator, a railroad crossing, a high crown to crown intersection, a Belgian Block (cobblestone) course and several dips and bumps designed for single wheel and full axle engagement. Fresh and salt water troughs are also available.

Skidpad

The ten-acre dynamics pad is intended for vehicle handling and skid testing. It is semicircle in shape with a 300-foot radius. Adjacent to the skid pad apron is an area for off-road excursion testing.

Brake System Test Facilities

Facilities designed to test vehicle brake systems are available on the oval track and skid pad. Parking brake testing can be performed on 20 and 30 percent ramps.

Related Pages: Test Engineering, Test and Engineering Center

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