This document discusses vehicle testing at proving grounds. It begins by defining a proving ground as an area where vehicle performance is tested, often over hundreds of acres with various road conditions. It then describes different types of test tracks at proving grounds for evaluating vehicles at high speeds, slow speeds, off-road, and custom conditions. Specific tests are outlined for each track type to gather data on braking, engine performance, durability, and more. Sensors are used to record data which is analyzed to assess the vehicle. Finally, a general layout of a proving ground is shown along with facilities commonly available.

1. Vehicle Testing on Proving Ground
By - G. Paul Manohar (133705)

2. Objectives
o Understand the meaning of Proving Ground.
o Study the general layout of Proving Ground.
o Know various tests carried out there.
o Understand the basic principle of each test.

3. What is a Proving Ground?
 Proving ground is an area where the performance of an automobile
is put to test.
Proving grounds generally spread over hundreds of acres and have
roads and facilities to assess the working of various systems of the
automobile.
Mostly, proving grounds are situated far from populated areas.
They maintain maximum possible diversity in drive conditions.

4. Types of Proving Grounds
• Depending on the vehicles being tested, proving grounds can be
classified as:
• Aeronautical Applications
• Military Applications
• Automobile Testing
• Marine Performance Testing
• Aerospace Applications (For test-firing missiles and drones)
Here, we will confine ourselves to Automobile Testing

5. Types of Proving Grounds for Automobiles
Most of the test-tracks can classified as on of the below:
 Fast lane tracks: These tracks are specially made for performance
testing of automobiles at high speeds.
Slow lane tracks: These are generally designed to obtain the
performance of vehicle during city driving, low-traction driving, offroad driving (on pavement).
Off road tracks: These generally range from second class roads to wild
terrains.
Custom tracks: These are specially made to impose special conditions
for which a vehicle is designed.

6. It is quite difficult to give an absolute definition for each of the
tracks. This is because every track designer has his/her personal views
of what a track should be and employs his discretion in bringing out the
track. Most general principle adopted is to design the track to suit local
conditions and to conform to the National rules.
Fast tracks:

7. These are often long (7-10 km approx.) and have smooth turns and
curves with good enough banking. Testing is generally carried out at
about 80-120 kmph depending on the car.
While the vehicle is travelling on these tracks, the following data
can be obtained from the automobile.
•Braking performance
•Engine Performance
•Coast Down data
•Dynamic response
•Durability

8. Some of the braking patches are shown above. The coefficient of
friction of track varies based on the material the track is made of.
Ex. Low friction Ceramic Tiles
0.1
Low friction Basalt Tiles
0.3
Dry tarmac
0.8

9. Slow tracks:
These may have potholes, pits, speed breakers, water pits, ambient
fog, etc., Cars travelling on these tracks travel at about 10-30kmph.
Tests on slow tracks yield the following data:
•Endurance of body structure
•Performance of Suspension at low speeds
•Vehicle’s performance in corrosive environment

10. Off-road tracks:
Here, no road is laid and the terrain may range from mud to hill rocks.
Off-road vehicle generally have All-wheel drive with differential locking
for better off-road performance. These vehicles are tested for torque,
high grade performance, suspension and steering stability.

11. A normal Proving ground is expected to have all the afore-mentioned
types of tracks. In some countries like Sweden, Australia and Norway
tracks are built for special conditions.
Sweden
Snow Track
Australia
Mud Track
As mentioned earlier, the configuration of test track heavily
relies on the notions of the track-designer. The layout will also change
accordingly.
Often, a particular proving ground is chosen for a vehicle
depending on the expected performance to avoid failure.
Premium cars and luxury SUVs challenge the toughest tracks to
claim better reputation.

12. Figure shows a general layout of Proven Ground

13. Various sections:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
5 mile high speed track
Mile ride course
Cobblestone course
City course
Belgian Block course
Flintstone gravel course
ABS Gravel course
Limestone Gravel Course
Offroad course
Sandwash offroad course with cross country bumps section
Mud course
Roug road course with traction bumps
Potholes course
Body twist
Vehicle Dynamics Facility

14. 16. Paved hill Climb Event
17. Steering Event Course
18. Splash Troughs
19. Rain Test
20.
a Headquarters/Office Buildings,
Workshops 1-4, Inspection Station,
Security Entrance Gate, Weather Station
b Workshop 5
c High-speed Track Control Center & Idle Box
d Idle Box at 2-Mile Ride Course
e Work station
f Fuel Stations
g Conference Building
(Source- Mercedes Benz Tech)

15. • Data Acquisition and Communication:
Sensors are attached to various critical portions of the automobile.
Data from sensors in stored in flash memory. A typical flash memory
device can store upto 2GB test data. This data may be communicated
to analyser simultaneously or at a later stage.
The test data is then used to analyse and comment on vehicle’s
performance.
• The Data Acquisition System (DAS) is a standalone system and stores
the data without ever communicating with the electronic
components of the vehicle.
• The DAS system some times contains interface software like WIN.

16. Sensors used are:
• For Aerodynamic forces and crash forces - Capacitive and resistive
pressure gauges attached externally on bonnet and tail.
• For dynamic loads – Accelerometers and Vibrometers at suspension
linkage (or) wheel hub.
• For tyre loads – Pressure sensors in the tyre.
• For structural loads – Strain gauges on body and frame.
• For vehicle statistics – On board sensors.

17. Facilities at ARAI

20. References
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•
•
•
Catalogue of Australian Automotive Research Centre
Catalogue of ARAI, Pune
Catalogue of MIRA
MBTech catalogue