Dynamic Experimental Testing

Engine and subsystem testing is rigorous and necessary for delivery of successful validated products. Improved fidelity simulations have reduced the quantity of physical testing needed significantly. In what remains necessary of physical testing, more efficient use of facilities can be made for two key purposes: reduced cost and, opening routes to understand system dynamics.
Cornerstone to conventional experimental campaigns is 'steady state' testing. Facilities with large thermal mass (for example) can take time to settle to sufficiently steady state and large numbers of test points are required to characterise the performance in the full operating space. When utilising facilities with high running costs, then a dynamic testing approach could reduce testing time by not waiting for 'steady state' - if steady state can ever be truly achieved. Moreover, using reduced order dynamic models of the system under test allows dynamic characterisation that is not possible in a steady-state approach.
The overarching aim is to determine if expensive physical testing can be done more quickly at lower cost while still delivering the same, if not improved, dynamic system understanding.