Different types of dynamometer tests are used to measure engine power, propeller thrust, and shock absorber damping. Chassis dynos provide a real-world test method for accurate power level results, while shock dynos test shock performance under simulated track conditions.
There are several types of dynamometer test styles used to measure an engine’s power and torque, the thrust of a boat propeller, and the damping characteristics of a shock absorber. Chassis dynamometers can identify the power going to the tires from the transmission. Shock dynos measure the force required to compress the shock, as well as the amount of pressure the shock requires to rebound.
The final step in most high performance engine builds is dynamometer testing to not only break in new engine components, but also to measure the power and torque produced by the engine. After making an initial pull on the dyno to get a baseline power measurement, the fuel delivery system can be precisely manipulated and spark timing adjusted to achieve maximum engine performance. This dyno test only measures engine output and has no relevance to the power levels the engine can achieve when measured at the transmission tires.
A more realistic dyno test is performed using a chassis dyno. With the chassis dynamometer, the engine is placed in the vehicle for which it was built and the vehicle is attached to the dynamometer with the drive tires positioned on top of large rollers. The rollers are connected to the dynamometer and measure the actual power that the vehicle puts out into the tire. This is a real world test method for accurate power level results. Vehicle components such as the transmission and driveshaft require a certain amount of power to function, resulting in parasitic power loss from the engine, measured at the flywheel during engine dyno testing.
Like a chassis dyno, a dyno specifically for testing propeller thrust is used to measure the output of a marine engine, as well as various propeller designs. Similarly, dynamometer testing of racing shocks can test the damping and rebound characteristics of a given shock under simulated track conditions. This type of dyno test allows a chassis specialist to configure a vehicle’s chassis to take advantage of track conditions based on vehicle temperature, weight and speed. The test can show minute changes in a shock’s performance potential compared to changes in wheel and camber configurations for a specific wheel.
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