Optical sensors in long-term tests at the Nürburgring

Micro-Epsilon is technical sponsor for the Tuning Akademie racing team. The team uses optical distance sensors to optimise car performance in endurance races.

For two years, Micro-Epsilon has been a technical sponsor of the Tuning Akademie racing team (Ingolstadt). The Tuning Akademie uses the specially designed and built racing car as a test vehicle for chassis components, alternative materials and innovative fuel and drive concepts. In the endurance races (e.g. ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race) at the Nürburgring, the team, which comprises of AUDI engineers and technicians, as well as research associates and students of the RWTH Aachen, tests vehicle development concepts from a scientific viewpoint. The racing vehicle is based on an Audi A4 (B7) Quattro with a V6 TDI engine; power is approx. 230 kW, torque is approx. 660 Nm, permanent all-wheel drive.

Within the aim of continuous vehicle improvements, two optoNCDT 1402 laser sensors from Micro-Epsilon were fixed at a height level with the front and rear axles under the bodywork. These downward-looking optical sensors measure the distance from the vehicle to the road. By continuously measuring the vehicle height via the speed, the team can accurately determine the aerodynamic balance and respective downforce at the front and rear axles. Based on this data, even pitching movements during acceleration and braking phases can be evaluated in detail in order to further improve the driving behaviour and aerodynamic efficiency. The high sampling rate and measurement accuracy of the laser sensors provides an excellent platform for reproducible measurements.

"For two years, we’ve been using the optoNCDT 1402 laser sensors in external areas under our vehicle in harsh racing conditions at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. This sensor technology allows us to evaluate in detail the effectiveness of different aerodynamic components or chassis components, even after the first lap. As well as providing excellent data quality and robustness in our specific applications, the sensors primarily stand out due to their ease of use and simplified handling," explains Thomas Hanisch, managing director of the Tuning Akademie.

The optoNCDT 1402 laser sensor with integrated digital signal processor is designed for measuring displacement, distance and position. The sensor performs non-contact distance measurements on a wide variety of material surfaces. The flexible sensor connector can be rotated and offers an RS422 interface.

As well as the Tuning Akademie, Micro-Epsilon also supplies sensors to the McLaren and Renault Formula 1 teams, Formula Student teams and the Bloodhound SSC team with its 135,000 HP rocket car with sensors and measurement systems for development, bench tests and on-vehicle road tests.