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Featured Article...
MGA's Military Veterans Continue to Serve Their Country
Although MGA's mission is vastly different from that of a current U.S. Soldier, Marine, Airman, or Sailor, our veterans are still serving their country with pride and honor.
With the demand for stronger, faster, safer military vehicles, MGA has stepped up to the challenge by pro-viding validation solutions to various tactical vehicle manufacturers and their supply base. MGA has been providing testing services for our military suppliers over the past 30 years. And the last few have held a special place in the hearts of our veterans.
Scott Keyser, a MGA Senior Machinist at our Michigan Fabrication Center, who has served proudly in the U.S. Navy said, "These jobs have a special place with me. Although I am no longer able to support the U.S. on the battlefield, I am able to support the mission here. I want to continue supporting my country and our troops, it means a lot to me."
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Projectile Testing-Not A Typical Physics Problem
Craig Rudzinski - Akron, NY (craig.rudzinski@mgaresearch.com)
The philosophy at MGA's Technical Services Lab is to always look for ways to expand our expertise in any phase of testing. We achieved this standard by incorporating the Underwriters Laboratory 1642 Projectile Test.
The test is fairly simple, unlike physics problems. The test specimen, in our case a lithium cell, is placed onto a screen which rests on a platform. The platform has a hole cut in it to allow a flame to pass through the platform and come into direct contact with the battery. The flame is applied to the test specimen until it explodes.
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| Focus on Fixtures...
Prototype Build Fixures
Prototype seats are the beginning stages to any seating program. Proper tolerances and accuracy are extremely important when constructing these samples for durability and safety testing.
A Prototype Build Fixture is a fixture designed to build prototype seats for testing. The fixture is made to be very durable, and is constructed using processes that ensure accuracy.
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Eye on Equipment...
Ejection Mitigation
Why is ejection mitigation research being per-formed? In 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified rollover crashes as one of its highest safety priorities. One major cause of death and injury in a rollover crash is full or partial ejection from a vehicle, especially through side windows. In May of 2004, NHTSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to upgrade FMVSS 214 "Side Impact Protection" to require a side impact pole test that would provide improved head protection to occupants. While the proposal does not specifically address ejection mitigation in a rollover, NHTSA has indicated this is the first phase of a three phase approach to reduce side window ejections. The next phase is to develop test procedures and regulations specifically addressing occupant containment in a rollover crash. NHTSA's second phase of research includes ongoing development of a test methodology to evaluate the performance of ejection mitigation systems, including side curtain airbags and improved glazing (window material). The test procedure proposed by NHTSA includes the use of a guided impactor positioned inside the vehicle to be propelled outward. Read More... | |
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Editor's Note:
This Touching Base article is a re-print from MGA's 2005 September newsletter. |
Touching Base
with Dr. Patrick Miller - Akron, NY
County Fairs
When I was young, in late August just before school began, we would attend the local fair. In a rural area, the fair was a big deal. Vacations were unheard of and it seemed that everyday was a workday on the Farm. But, for one day, we would do the chores early and then spend most of the day at the fair.
This experience provided memories that have last-ed a lifetime. For me, the highlight of the fair was the farm equipment exhibit and "pretending to drive" the various tractors that were displayed. Years ago, there were many more farm equipment dealers than there are today and each would display four or five tractors. Just examining the various features on the tractors was worth the trip. Today, when I go to a fair, it just does not seem right unless a large array of farm equipment is on display.
For my wife, it was fair food that peaked her interest. She often mentions that during childhood, she and her sister would go to a fair and the corn dogs and elephant ears were so good.
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