Topsy is a modular system designed for occasional measurements of all composite inertial, kinematic, and compliance parameters which appear in today's sophisticated mathematical simulation models. The emphasis in its design is not “production-line” testing, but research: the operator can observe the vehicle's reaction to developing forces; and as insights develop he can modify the test program as he goes along. Test errors are minimized by running all tests under servo control with continuous display of all data and recording of all known error sources, while the operators closely monitor the test and the developing data.
The test facility is organized around an “infrastructure” consisting of baseplates, vehicle locating fixtures, scales, hydraulic and pneumatic power sources, interchangeable valve assemblies and actuators, and transducers. These are organized along with specialized devices into the several forms required for the different tests.
When not in use, Topsy can be disassembled and stored on shelves and in cabinets.
This paper describes the overall system and the methodology, components, and instrumentation used in the various measurements.