CAVS dynamometer upgraded to continue next generation of engine testing, research at С
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.—For two decades, the dynamometer at Mississippi State’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems has powered engine research and testing for consumer, industry and military applications. Now with an upgraded control system, the dynamometer is primed to continue testing the next generation of engines hitting the road.
С’s Hoffman 4X4 chassis dynamometer is built for heavy duty testing with 48” rollers and a 20,000-pound max vehicle weight. It can accommodate a maximum speed of 124 miles per hour and up to 225kW of power. The tool allows CAVS engineers to simulate driving environments and observe how engines respond to different conditions.
With the new Cortec control system from TeSys Europe in place, thanks to funding from С’s Bagley College of Engineering, researchers can fully develop custom drive cycles to meet complex challenges. In addition to the dynamometer, the CAVS engine lab has a wide range of emissions analysis tools, test engines and combustion measurement equipment.
“This allows us to work through safety controls, test fuel economy, monitor emissions, and optimize power distribution to vehicle components,” said Michael Gibson, a senior research engineer at CAVS that manages the engine lab’s operations.
The dynamometer can be used for all types of powertrains, including internal combustion, electric and hybrid engines. One frequent user of the machine is С’s nationally competitive EcoCAR challenge team, which has used it to fine-tune auto upgrades at the leading edge of technology. The current С EcoCAR team is transforming a Cadillac LYRIQ into a next-generation electric vehicle with advanced propulsion systems and connected and automated vehicle technologies.
“Having access to a dynamometer allows our students to see what happens when their ideas become reality, helping them refine their systems and, ultimately, preparing them to shape the future of the automotive industry as they begin their careers,” said Bagley College of Engineering Dean David Ford. “This is one of the many ways our students are able to get hands-on experience applying the concepts they learn in the classroom.”
The dynamometer also was used when a military vehicle contractor turned to CAVS to develop an engine system that could successfully support both the vehicle’s drive train and the on-board defense systems. The improvements allowed the defense equipment to be transported in fewer vehicles, increasing logistical efficiency.
The dynamometer supports key regional efforts such as the Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia Network for Evolving Transportation, or MAGNET, which aims to leverage the Southeast U.S. automotive vehicle and battery industry to stimulate economic development, as well as the Mississippi Clean Fuels Coalition, which aims to expand the market for domestic clean fuels and advanced technology vehicles.
“In addition to supporting С researchers, this capability benefits our automotive research partners in private industry as they look to improve engine performance and make vehicles lighter,” said CAVS Executive Director Clay Walden. “This is a great asset to have as automotive, defense and manufacturing industries continue to grow in our state.”
For more on the CAVS engine lab, visit .
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