RPC Connect is the latest evolution of MTS' industry-renowned simulation software for vehicle durability testing.

RPC Connect carries forward the decades-long legacy of RPC Pro and cRPC Pro software, while establishing the optimum platform for an evolving arsenal of next-generation simulation tools.

Architected to optimize test lab efficiency, the new RPC Connect platform will improve the operator experience, increase test throughput and support emerging capabilities such as hybrid simulation and Jounce Bumper Impact Correction.

RPC Connect will take its place as the core application software for MTS Road Simulators, Multi-axial Simulation Table (MAST) Systems and many other durability testing solutions for decades to come.

The Graphical User Interface maximizes lab efficiency by providing a clear, intuitive view of RPC tools, options and standards that is consistent for operators across all stages.

It features a customizable, drag-and-drop environment and multi-monitor display. The Project Explorer serves as a launch pad for the RPC stages, and provides tools for controlling default settings and editing and managing data. Easy-to-use wizards guide operators of all skill levels through every stage.

New in RPC Connect:

• Customizable user interface
• Unit Awareness
• Name-based signal identification
• Enhanced process functionality
• Ability to save load tool settings
• Real-time error validation
• Efficient file and channel search and sort capability
• Easier limit triage and fault identification
• Enhanced plotter function

The Setup Stage is used to define the communications interface between the test rig and the system controller.

It enables operators to efficiently configure the drive, response and computed channels needed to accurately replicate a given scenario and set limits to protect specimens in the case of events.

Setup Stage features powerful search tools to organize and select channels from the controller. Both drag-and-drop and transfer arrow interfaces provide flexible means for found channel selection. An innovative pattern recognition algorithm allows for group selection of similar channels. These tools combine to make building the foundation of an RPC project easier and faster than ever before.

New in RPC Connect:

• Create a setup using drag-and-drop
• Improved computed channels
• Easier-to-use Event/Action definition

The Analyze Stage is used to examine acquired data and prepare it for use in drive file development.

It enables operators to efficiently sort and compare measured data, analyze its quality, isolate the most meaningful (damaging) signals, and adapt them for use with the test system hardware and software.

Analyze Stage supports fatigue-based data editing and analysis across multiple domains including Time History (point-by-point comparison); Spectral (frequency); and Fatigue (histograms).

New in RPC Connect:

• Tools with multiple functions
• Batch Processor
• Multiple file execution
• Flexible process manager for developing custom analysis processes
• Name based signal processing for more generalized processes
• User-defined variables
• Branching controls to provide input for signal analysis decision tree

The Model Stage is used to gain an understanding of system behavior by establishing the mathematical relationship between test rig input and specimen response - i.e., its inverse Frequency Response Function (1/FRF) often referred to as the model.

It features tools for generating simultaneous and sequential random drive files, calculating system models, and generating inverse models.

Model Stage incorporates a variety of interactive diagnostic checks, including Control Band Estimator; Auto Spectral Density (ASD) prediction; Coherence; Engineering Rank Inverse; and Singular Value Decomposition.

New in RPC Connect:

• Interactive Model Processor (IMP)
• Candidates for control channels
• Easier and clearer control band and subsystem definition in wizard rather than inverse tool

The Simulate Stage is used to iterate files for use during the Test Stage.

It provides an interactive environment for performing the iterative, step-by-step process of bringing test system response into convergence with measured field response. Convergence criteria can be directly evaluated in time, spectral, trend and fatigue domains, or with user-definable processes.

Simulate Stage features customizable processes and a user guide called a wizard for incorporating multiple models, and iterating with convergence targets and divergence limits. It also features an innovative gain scheduler for both manual and automated iterations.

Turbo RPC, an inverse modeling control technique, adapts the system model to amplitude based non-linearities exhibited by almost all specimens. This results in more rapid convergence and higher accuracy.

New in RPC Connect:

• Scheduled Iterations
• Multiple file execution
• Improved Region Treatment
• New treatment for non-linearities

The Test Stage is used to create and run durability tests.

Its base configuration features tools for creating and modifying durability test scenarios, defining event action sequences, test playout and monitoring. It also supports user-definable processes during test playout and automated archiving of test response data.

Test Stage plug-in monitoring options include Time History (point-by-point comparison); Spectral (change in frequency); and Trend (statistical changes).

New in RPC Connect:

• Efficient remapping of drive files
• Limit triage and faulted channels
• Easier and more comprehensive specimen monitoring definition

MULTIPURPOSE TESTWARE BROCHURE

FLEXTEST CONTROLLER BROCHURE

Monitor dynamic properties vs. time or fatigue cycles.

• Samples specified force, length, and phase relationship of input signals
• Calculates and displays (9) critical properties: K*, K’, K”, Phase, Tan Delta, Damping, Total Energy, displacement, and load amplitude
• Supports limit checking to trigger appropriate actions

Requires

• 793.10 Multi-Purpose TestWare (MPT)

MODEL 793.17 SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Easy-to-use software designed to increase your efficiency in both production quality testing and laboratory testing.

• Conduct simple dynamic characterization, static deflection and conditional quality tests with single channel control on machines rated to 400 Hz.
• Trend-line analysis features include the use of X-Bar charts and customizable Western Electric process control rules that ensure a deliberate response to trend deviations and enable operators to proactively respond to data deviations
• Provides advanced users the ability to define numerous test attributes:
  • User access levels
  • Frequency sweeps without delays between frequency increments
  • Analysis methods for calculating static and dynamic test results
  • Size and position of graphs and tabular run-time test results
  • Digital input / output capabilities for integrating directly into a manufacturing cell for manual, semi-automated or fully automated testing
• Generates reports to display test results

793.30 SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Conduct dynamic characterization of viscoelastic materials or components under a wide range of variables with up to four channels of simultaneous control.

• Measure Dynamic Stiffness (K), Phase Angle, Damping (C), Modulus (E or G), Tan Delta
• Perform characterizations as a function of frequency, dynamic amplitude and mean level on systems with a single dynamic channel
• Sweep single variables to obtain mean level, dynamic amplitude, frequency, temperature, or phase relationship between channels of control
• Combine multiple sweeps in one test
• Perform characterizations as a function of phase between the dynamic channels on systems with more than one dynamic channel. 
• Perform characterizations as a function of temperature set point
• Includes automatic measurement and correction of system dynamic errors induced by transducers and electronics

Requires

• 793.03 Calculations with Outputs
• 793.05 Amplitude Phase Control
• 793.10 MultiPurpose TestWare (MPT)

793.31-32 SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Add sine-on-sine and pulse waveform capability to 793.31

• May be used as a stand-alone package
• Perform characterizations as a function of fundamental mean level, fundamental and harmonic frequency, and fundamental and harmonic amplitude using sine-on-sine waveshape
• Perform characterizations as a function of fundamental base level, fundamental and pulse frequency, and pulse amplitude
• Provides dynamic control of a single channel containing a force transducer (load cell) and a linear variable displacement transducer (LVDT)
• Provides limited control of additional static channels, including temperature control and monitor channels

Requires

• 793.03 Calculations with Outputs 
• 793.05 Amplitude Phase Control
• 793.10 MultiPurpose TestWare (MPT)

793.31-32 SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Characterize the elastomeric stiffness properties of materials and components.

• Create three fundamental test types: Tensile, Tensile-Compressive, Compressive
• Characterize the specimen behavior as a function of a constant application rate of load or displacement
• Conduct the test between predefined load or displacement end levels with independent definitions of a precondition phase and a data acquisition phase
• Calculate stiffness values as chord modulus or tangent modulus during the loading or unloading portion of the test or as an average of the two
• Calculations can also be done on the “Initial Segment” where part transitions from a rest period after dwell period
• View the test graphics in real time to evaluate the test
• Automatic displacement error correction due to frame stiffness deflection

Requires: 

• 793.10 MultiPurpose TestWare (MPT)

793.33 SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Characterize the elastomeric stiffness properties of materials and components.

• Create three fundamental test types: Tensile, Tensile-Compressive, Compressive
• Characterize the specimen behavior as a function of a constant application rate of load or displacement
• Conduct the test between predefined load or displacement end levels with independent definitions of a precondition phase and a data acquisition phase
• Calculate stiffness values as chord modulus or tangent modulus during the loading or unloading portion of the test or as an average of the two
• Calculations can also be done on the “Initial Segment” where part transitions from a rest period after dwell period
• View the test graphics in real time to evaluate the test
• Automatic displacement error correction due to frame stiffness deflection

Requires: 

• 793.10 MultiPurpose TestWare (MPT)

793.35 SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Conduct tests that search for a specimen’s resonant frequency.

• Apply a constant amplitude frequency sweep to reveal the natural frequency of the test article
• Multiple frequency sweeps in each test allow you to improve resolution of your results
• Measure the transfer function between the actuator LVDT and the output accelerometer
• Patented phase and amplitude control algorithm adjusts test inputs to specimen response
• Plot a transmissibility curve
• Frequency is limited by load unit resonance and data acquisition rate

Requires

• 793.10 MultiPurpose TestWare (MPT)
• Resonance Search Kit; Series 831 - Accelerometer Assembly with electronics

793.37 SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Design and apply waveforms that represent service conditions

• SINE-on-SINE Process superposes two sinusoidal waveforms
• PULSE Process produces a mixed mode pulse that separates the offset control mode pulse producing control mode
• Typically used in durability test applications when a periodic pulse is needed, such as rolling wheels, paper processing or engine valves

Requires

• 793.10 MultiPurpose TestWare (MPT)

Setup a test system for use with Remote Parameter Control (RPC) software

• Edit and analyze time histories
• Calculate system models
• Efficiently develop drive files
• Define and execute durability tests

Requires

• 793.72 Time History Playout & Acquisition software 

COMPONENT RPC SOFTWARE BROCHURE

Easily generate master curves to gain insight into the temperature-dependent properties of viscoelastic materials

• Leverage the Time-Temperature Superposition (TTS) principle by using Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) model calculations
• Determine temperature-dependent mechanical property behaviors far beyond a lab’s physical testing capabilities  - out to MHz or even GHz frequencies

HIGH-FORCE DMA BROCHURE

Use the Test Results Selection window to choose from among several ways to gather data during testing, select upper and lower limits for each test result and define how results are reported.

Use the pop-up Data Displays to review the current test, view curves for the last performance step, show cycle counts and monitor specimen temperature

MTS Damper Testing software enables you to meet a full spectrum of damper performance testing requirements – from basic to advanced.

Basic performance testing is a simple matter of clicking through a few setup windows:

• Select the waveform required to excite the specimen
• Define the number of test cycles
• Set the number of data collection cycles
• Select the test results to display

For Advanced performance testing, the software allows you to easy modification of  the type and shape of excitation applied to the specimen:

• Change cycle frequency or velocity
• Define end levels
• Create complex, integrated excitation steps

Incremental Temperature Testing: pre-define the temperatures at which performance data is acquired to accurately simulate damper performance in real-world working environments

Friction Seal & Gas Force Measurement: measure friction seal force and gas force at a specified position or run multi-position tests as a function of shock displacement

Temperature Monitoring: measure specimen temperature during testing

Hydraulic Side Load: apply a controlled force on a specimen to more accurately simulate field conditions

Velocity Preservation: achieve precise sinusoidal velocity end levels

Noise Vibration & Harshness: measure damper noise during testing

MTS Damper Testing Software enables you to easily scale a durability test to meet your specific requirements - from the simplest durability test to complex failure studies:

Full Set of Command Waveforms:

• Sinusoidal
• Ramping
• Sine-on-Sine
• Ramp-on-Ramp
• Block Cyclic.
• User-defined Profiles
• Waveform Compensation - peak valley compensation, amplitude phase control, peak valley phase

Jounce Bumper Durability: accurately replicate a specific jounce bumper impact force over a predefined number of cycles

E-mail Paging: remotelyalert operators of specimen failure or test completion

Multiple Specimen Testing: test multiple specimens simultaneously

Water Cooling: ensure temperature stabilization throughout entire test sequence

Hydraulic Sideload: apply a controlled off-axis force on a specimen to simulate real-world loading

MTS 793.71 Time History Playout: run RPC time history files to simulate real-world loading 

MTS 793.11 Profile Editor:create and edit user-defined waveform files

MTS Damper Testing Software provides the tools for creating an intuitive, Easy-to-use Operator Interface for conducting efficient Pass/Fail quality auditing.

Pass/Fail Data for each damper test is stored as a tab delimited data file, and can include:

• Specimen name
• Time stamp
• Overall pass/fail
• Pass/fail result for each programmed test result
• Pass/fail for the envelope curve

Automated Test Results: test data, calculated results and test information are saved to a test workbook for review and further analysis. Every test workbook includes a worksheet for each data file and a batch file. Tabular reporting options include:

• All test runs versus all test conditions
• Multiple test runs versus selected conditions
• Single test run versus all conditions

Damper Analysis Plot Functions:

• Force vs. Displacement
• Force vs. Velocity
• Gas Force vs. Displacement
• Peak Force at Peak Velocity
• Force at Peak Velocity
• Velocity at Peak Force
• Displacement vs. Time
• Force vs. Time
• Velocity vs. Time
• Condition vs. Time
• Peak Force vs. Temperature
• Combined Time-Displacement-Velocity
• Test Results

Designed primarily for damper performance testing, easy-to-use Shock 6 Software offers an array of pre-programmed test options and a wizard-based interface with integrated analysis tools.

Shock 6 capabilities:

• Temperature or time-based warm-up
• Static gas tests
• Friction testing
• Velocity Plots (constant, peak velocity, multiple constant)
• Pass/Fail validation
• Variable wave form generation for conducting square wave, sine on sine, variable sine, triangle and frequency sweeps with EMA Systems
• The ability to import custom waveforms or playback track data to simulate real world conditions with EMA Systems

Developed for damper production environments, LineTest software provides efficient velocity-based test setup and run-time, easy identification of specimen failures and a variety of methods for graphing and reporting results.

LineTest capabilities:

• Set park, test, and pickup positions and define custom pre-cycles and speed
• Conduct Gas Force testing (including user-configurable upper/lower limits and waveform points)
• Define up to three different test speeds at various cyclic amplitudes
• Pre-define operating limits or calculate them from the statistical mean of parts in a new batch run
• Display diagnostic data on a user-configurable screen with failure indication
• Append data to existing batches or collect and analyze in new batch files
• Perform statistical analysis at the end of each batch file

MTS DAMPER TESTING SOFTWARE BROCHURE