The test carriage is made of steel tubes that are attached together. The center of the carriage is where the tire is held until it is ready to be lowered to the track surface during a test. At the front of the carriage is a noseblock. The noseblock catches the cables which bring the carriage to a stop.

The Science Behind the System

Ideas to Explore: How are items tested using ALDF? How do we collect information on how well the articles perform?

Items such as tires are placed on the carriage and tested at different speeds, under different weights, and under different track conditions. The carriage can travel at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour. Special devices are used to increase the weight on the tires. Special cameras take pictures as the carriage moves down the track. Measurements of how the tires respond to changes in speed, temperature or weight are taken using devices known as sensors which provide data or information for testers to analyze.