Automotive research, test and measurement
Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) testing sits at the heart of modern automotive development. Designing vehicles that are quieter, smoother and more reliable requires a detailed understanding of vibration behaviour, structural dynamics and component performance under real operating conditions.
DJB Instruments supports automotive manufacturers, research organisations and test facilities with accelerometers, instrumentation and cabling solutions used across laboratory development, track testing and full vehicle validation programmes.
Supporting NVH and modal analysis
Automotive engineers rely on accurate vibration measurement to understand structural response, identify noise sources and optimise vehicle refinement. Accelerometers are widely used throughout vehicle development programmes, including:
- NVH refinement and ride comfort analysis
- Modal and structural testing
- Powertrain and drivetrain development
- Durability and fatigue testing
- Component and subsystem validation
Typical accelerometers used in automotive testing include:
- AT/10
- AT/01
- AT/14
- AT/04
- AT/11
- AT/13
High-temperature exhaust and turbocharger measurement
One of the most demanding areas of automotive testing involves vibration measurement on turbochargers and exhaust systems operating at extremely high temperatures. Surface temperatures exceeding 900°C present significant challenges for conventional sensor technologies.
To address this requirement, DJB Instruments developed the A/33 charge output and later the A/133 IEPE water-cooled accelerometers in collaboration with major automotive OEMs.
These sensors enable direct vibration measurement in environments where non-contact techniques would otherwise be required, providing a practical and cost-effective solution for extreme temperature testing.
- Operation on surfaces up to 900°C
- Water cooling using low flow rates (~0.5 litre per minute)
- Uniaxial and triaxial configurations
- Robust installation for vehicle and engine testing
Application example: vehicle exhaust development
During exhaust system development, a major automotive OEM required vibration monitoring under full operational road conditions. DJB specified the A/133 IEPE triaxial accelerometer, allowing integration with the customer’s existing constant-current measurement system.
Accelerometers were installed at multiple locations across the exhaust system using a central bolt mounting arrangement suited to confined installation spaces. Cooling water was supplied via a compact pump system, while braided protection safeguarded cables and cooling lines during road testing.
Custom cable assemblies were manufactured to suit vehicle installation requirements, routing signals to instrumentation equipment located within the vehicle.
Over many years of operational use, A/33 and A/133 accelerometers have demonstrated exceptional durability in harsh automotive environments. In the rare event of damage, individual sensing axes can be replaced, extending service life and reducing ownership cost.
Why automotive engineers choose DJB
- Konic Shear® design for long-term cross-axis stability
- High-temperature vibration measurement capability
- Rugged sensors for harsh operational environments
- Proven performance in OEM development programmes
- Integral stainless steel cable or connector options
- Repairable sensor construction for extended service life
Discuss your automotive application
Every automotive development programme presents unique measurement challenges. Our engineering team works closely with customers to specify accelerometers, cabling and installation solutions suited to their testing environment.
Precision vibration sensors for demanding aerospace testing and monitoring applications. Designed for accurate measurement across structural, acoustic and high-temperature environments.
Signal conditioning and measurement instrumentation designed to preserve data accuracy from sensor through to acquisition and analysis systems.
Low-noise cables, connectors and mounting accessories engineered to maintain signal integrity in harsh testing and operational environments.
Built to meet your exact application requirements
From ultra-flexible low-noise cables to armoured and miniature assemblies, DJB designs and manufactures bespoke cable solutions tailored to your installation and testing environment.
Extend cable life and maintain measurement performance
Our inspection and repair service restores damaged or worn assemblies, helping reduce replacement costs while ensuring continued measurement reliability.
Maintain measurement accuracy and confidence in your test data
DJB calibration services verify accelerometer performance and ensure sensors continue to meet required measurement standards throughout their operational life.
Choose the right sensor for your application
Understand how sensitivity, frequency range, mounting method and operating environment influence accelerometer performance.
Maximise measurement accuracy through correct installation
Learn how mounting techniques influence frequency response, signal quality and overall test reliability.
Engineering knowledge supporting accurate measurement
Access application notes, technical guidance, and reference material covering accelerometer selection, mounting methods, instrumentation considerations, and vibration measurement best practices.
