Abstract: An engine controller, system and method for collecting vehicle data. Drive torque data is determined using the engine controller in the vehicle and is stored in a memory in the vehicle. The drive torque data is stored in a non-time domain format, and may include a histogram of numbers of revolutions at predetermined intervals of drive torque values and/or a matrix of rainflow cycle counts. The drive torque data is temporarily stored in a buffer prior to being stored in the matrix of rainflow cycle counts using back-checking and binning. The drive torque data is downloaded from the vehicle and transmitted to a central data collection center.

Abstract: An engine controller, system and method for collecting vehicle data. Drive torque data is determined using the engine controller in the vehicle and is stored in a memory in the vehicle. The drive torque data is stored in a non-time domain format, and may include a histogram of numbers of revolutions at predetermined intervals of drive torque values and/or a matrix of rainflow cycle counts. The drive torque data is temporarily stored in a buffer prior to being stored in the matrix of rainflow cycle counts using back-checking and binning. The drive torque data is downloaded from the vehicle and transmitted to a central data collection center.

Abstract: A method is provided and may include generating by a computer a virtual vehicle model and providing the vehicle model with spot-welds. The method may further include providing data regarding the spot-welds and applying forces by the computer to the spot welds during a simulated impact event of the vehicle model. The computer may analyze each of the spot welds at predetermined time intervals during the simulated impact event and may identify failed spot welds based on the analyzing. The computer may further remove failed spot welds from the vehicle model and may continue to apply the forces to the spot-welds following removal of the failed spot welds.

Abstract: A method of vehicle suspension testing includes conducting actual road testing of a vehicle including collecting data, and generating a drive file from the collected data for road test simulation. A vehicle suspension parameter is changed to result in a changed vehicle. Initial simulated road testing of the changed vehicle is conducted using the drive file, and results from the simulated and actual road testing are compared using acceptability criteria to determine whether to conduct further actual road testing of the changed vehicle before conducting further simulated road testing of the changed vehicle in response to the changed suspension parameter. Further simulated road testing of the changed vehicle is conducted if the acceptability criteria are met. Otherwise, further actual road testing of the changed vehicle is first conducted to develop a new drive file for use with additional simulated road testing of the changed vehicle.

Abstract: A fixture for testing the strength of a resistance spot weld connecting two test strips comprises two identical clamping frames, each having releasable clamps for gripping and holding one of the test strips. A pull bar is mounted on each clamping frame in any one of several selected angular positions. The pull bars are aligned with one another and then grasped by a pulling mechanism to apply a separating force on the two strips. The arrangement is such that the line of the separating force passes through the weld.