DIRAC

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A new way for test-based sound & vibration measuring

Innovative software

DIRAC completely changes the way you measure and model sound & vibrations. DIRAC allows engineers to couple measured FRFs with simulated FRF – with Virtual Point transformation, making reliable full-vehicle models available earlier in the development process.

DIRAC ensures traceability of results and indicates the quality of the measurement. Overall, DIRAC helps to avoid the final-phase troubleshooting – which can postpone vehicle production – and reduces the number of prototype variants needed – thus saving valuable time and resources.

 

DIRAC V2 was launched in January 2020. Since its original launch in February 2019, DIRAC has been used in many challenging engineering projects around the world, by our customers and by the VIBES engineers. This allowed us to improve and innovate DIRAC on many levels. Think of matrix overviews of your FRF data, new virtual point quality indicators, real-time merging of multiple impact hammers and import of ATFX files from any measurement system. These and more features have been put in DIRAC V2.

DIRAC is the first software of its kind that enables engineers to build accurate FRF models from measurements. DIRAC ensures traceability of results and indicates the quality of the measurement. 

Limit the need to re-do measurements or to troubleshoot issues with emergency teams. In the early stages of vehicle R&D, full vehicle sound & vibration performance can already be estimated by combining measured and simulated FRFs. Over time these predictions can be updated to reflect changes in the design or decisions that have been made.

“As an automotive engineer working on suspension level NVH performance development projects, I was stunned how the Virtual Point Transformation technique maximizes the accuracy of the systems’ FRF measurement result. I am absolutely confident that DIRAC’s CAD based user-friendly GUI also intuitively guides any engineer to get familiar with the software in no time. With the live quality indicators in DIRAC, you will get everything done right in the first trial. VIBES.technology has always been there for me throughout the whole project to support carrying out quality FRF measurements. Their quick and agile adaptation of customers’ opinions in updating their software is also one of the strong aspects the company offers.”

– David Song, Senior Research Engineer Hyundai Motor Company R&D division –

10 reasons to change your current measurement approach

DIRAC Features

Measurement Data Import (.atfx)
Measurement Data Import (.atfx)
All Data Acquisition Systems are working with DIRAC through ASAM-ODS (.atfx) import of FRF data, e.g. Siemens (LMS), Head Acoustics, Bruel & Kjaer or Müller-BBM systems (also LIVE available).
Rubber Mount Characterization
Rubber Mount Characterization
With DIRAC, a full 6-degree of freedom characterization of the rubber mount dynamics is available within a day using the Virtual Point.
Matrix Measurement Overviews
Matrix Measurement Overviews
A measurement can involve over 10.000 individual FRFs. Our Matrix shows all data in a single overview. Incorrect measurements are directly spotted using several view-modes.
Multi-Hammer Merge
Multi-Hammer Merge
Connect two (or more!) impact hammers simultaneously and merge the measured data directly! Different impact tips such as rubber or nylon excite different frequency bands.
TEDS Integration
TEDS Integration
Using the Müller-BBM MKiig2 system, DIRAC directly reads out all sensor information using TEDS. The advanced sensor database within DIRAC allows to quickly prepare measurements and update all information when connecting the Müller-BBM hardware.
Measurement Quality
Measurement Quality
DIRAC includes checks for outstanding model quality: from the Measurement Preparation with DoF contribution insights, Signal Checks, classical FRF checks (passivity, coherence), up to checks on the resulting model.
Compatibility with Simulation
Compatibility with Simulation
Measurements performed with DIRAC and the Virtual Point MEthodology are ready for use in Simulation Packages or Dynamic Substructuring applications.
Operational Deflection Shape Visualization
Operational Deflection Shape Visualization
Visually inspect the measurement results using the ODS-viewer. Export results (.gif) to share them in presentations.
Indirect Drive-Point Measurements
Indirect Drive-Point Measurements
6-DoF Drive Point measurements are easily available using Virtual Points: your measured data is transformed for a perfect DrivePoint measurement.
Measurement Transparancy
Measurement Transparancy
Clear positioning of all instrumentation, backed up by photo’s which can be included in the project!

The unique DIRAC software

DIRAC is unique on many fronts, but truly outstanding are the intuitive way of guiding engineers during the measurement and the integration of the Virtual Point methodology. With the live quality indicators available in DIRAC, measurements will be done first-time-right. The measurement flexibility DIRAC offers has never been implemented before. The Virtual Point transformation allows engineers to couple measured FRFs with simulated FRFs & to make reliable full-vehicle models available earlier in the development process.

CAD based preparation

DIRAC uses CAD files and an intuitive 3D environment as a basis for the measurement preparation. Sensors and force locations are all prepared in 3D, which give immediate visual feedback to the user and later allows for visualization of results. With DIRAC, the engineer can adjust all possible measurement settings even after testing.

Measurement data quality

The measurement data quality is continuously controlled on multiple levels:

  • Smart data and sensor checks ensure the measured data streams on the lowest level have no flaws, such as overloads, low signal-to-noise or double pulses.
  • Consistent calculations ensure the measured data is in physical accordance with the known location and the orientation information as used in the Virtual Point Transformation. Wrongly mounted sensors, swapped cables and off-position impacts are detected this way.
  • Overall measurement quality is checked against the resulting FRF model. E.g., the VP Transformation allows you to check reciprocity and drive point passivity, giving valuable feedback to the engineer. Therefore, it is identified whether an interface is well described or if more measurements are required.

Combining DIRAC with SOURCE

DIRAC in combination with SOURCE is the most effective solution for blocked force calculation! Gather your FRF Data from your favorite DAQ systems using native ATFX import.

DIRAC + SOURCE ensures:

  • Design of Experiment using the unique 3D preparation capabilities of DIRAC.
  • Virtual Point Blocked Forces and Moments. This creates 6 degrees of freedom per coupling point, indispensable to capture all source characteristics.
  • Transferability of blocked forces between test bench and vehicle, as the virtual points guarantee true compatibility at the connecting points.
  • Higher bandwidth of validity, thanks to rotational FRFs and innovative test-based modelling features.
  • More quality control in the blocked force calculation process.

What's next?

Do you want to increase the quality and speed of your sound & vibration design process? Request a free demo or contact us about our orientational tech program to see how DIRAC can help you achieve this.

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Orientational Program for DIRAC