Science of the sandpit

摘要

Automotive engineers are impressed with Cranfield University's Off-road Dynamics facility which promises to speed the pace of vehicle development. The fierce rev from the approaching Bowler Rally car engine sent sand flying high into the air as the vehicle began to dig craters under each wheel and sink. But within the blinking of an eye the vehicle was hurtling forward over the beach-like surface with no problem whatsoever, spraying a cloud of dust onto nearby spectators. This wasn't a 4×4 day out by the seaside - it was high-level engineering going on at Cranfield's new Off-road Dynamics facility.