Abstract: A vehicle crash simulator employs a plurality of actuators to simulate motions or forces of a crash event. The vehicle crash simulator includes a simulation platform supporting a test specimen or vehicle for analysis. The platform is accelerated along a crash acceleration trajectory and forces are imparted to the platform to simulate a crash pulse or event. Forces are imparted to the simulation platform by a plurality of actuators “on-board” or coupled to the simulation platform for dynamic motion simulation. Multi-axial forces Fx, Fy, Fz are imparted to simulate complex crash motions or forces for realistic crash testing.

Abstract: A mechanical screw drive loading test frame has a crosshead on the frame with a grip supported from the crosshead, and a second grip for gripping a second end of a specimen on which a second grip is connected to an axially movable shaft which is ragidly supported and guided for axial movement for loading the specimen. The support for the second grip is in a second rigid cross member positioned very close to the second grip to prevent lateral loads from loading the specimen transversly. The loading shaft is loaded from below the rigid cross member by a screw through a coupling and mounting arrangement which isolates load caused by misalignment in the drive screw or drive motor from the movable shaft and second grip.