Case Study

Automated Stick-Slip Measurement Using DSP

Customer Challenge

Measuring a single stick-slip event is relatively simple. But what happens when an automotive test rig generates hundreds of stick-slip events, each with a different nonlinear waveform?

Stick-slip is a friction-induced phenomenon that causes irregular movement, torque fluctuations, vibration, and unwanted noise in mechanical components such as ball joints, steering assemblies, and tie rods.

During cyclic testing, these components can generate complex torque or load waveforms containing numerous stick-slip events in both clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) directions. Further Manually identifying and measuring every event is time-consuming, repetitive, and prone to human error.

The PROLABS Solution

PROLABS supplied a specialized Automotive Stick-Slip Test Rig integrated with an advanced DSP-based waveform analysis solution.

We developed a dedicated signal-processing algorithm capable of automatically:

• Detecting individual stick-slip events within complex nonlinear waveforms.

• Measuring every stick-slip value in Nm (torque) or N (force), as applicable.

• Distinguishing between CW and CCW motion directions.

• Processing and displaying hundreds of individual measurements in a fraction of a second.

Unlike conventional peak-to-peak measurement, the PROLABS solution analyzes individual stick-slip events rather than simply calculating the overall waveform range.

The Engineering Impact

Hundreds of complex measurements. Automated in a fraction of a second.

The DSP-based solution delivers four important advantages:

• Minimal manual effort: Eliminates repetitive event-by-event manual measurement.

• Reduced human error: Applies consistent automated measurement logic.

• Consistent measurement: Handles complex waveform patterns through dedicated signal-processing algorithms.

• Reduced time and cost: Significantly accelerates engineering analysis.

PROLABS developed the control algorithms and LabVIEW software to communicate with and control the existing hardware, eliminating the need for a complete machine rebuild.

Beyond Data Acquisition

Capturing data is easy. Extracting meaningful engineering information from complex signals is where the real challenge begins.

This project demonstrates PROLABS' capabilities in specialized automotive test rigs, advanced LabVIEW programming, Digital Signal Processing, and intelligent test data analysis.

PROLABS — Turning Complex Test Data into Meaningful Engineering Results.

Looking for a specialized automotive test rig or advanced DSP-based measurement solution? Contact PROLABS to discuss your requirements.

The Results

PROLABS combined specialized test rig engineering with advanced Digital Signal Processing to deliver fast, automated, event-by-event stick-slip measurement for automotive component evaluation.