The kinematics and compliance (K&C) characteristics of a chassis system have major influence on the vehicle driving behavior and the overall vehicle performance. Therefore for the understanding and development of innovative and future-oriented chassis systems an exact knowledge of the K&C characteristics is necessary.

fka offers a longstanding expertise in the identification of the kinematics and compliance characteristics and access to a state-of-the art K&C test rig capable for measurements of full vehicles or stand-alone axle subsystems. The K&C test rig allows a three-dimensional force application (longitudinal, lateral and vertical forces) via air-bedded wheel substitute systems adapted to the particular wheel parameters. The resulting displacements and wheel angle changes are measured and recorded with a high-precision optical measurement system. For special measurement tasks additional sensors (e. g. travel sensors or wire strain gauges) can be integrated into the measurement chain.

K&C test bench – technical information

Test bench features:

• Air-bedded wheel substitute systems (adjustable to the particular wheel parameters)
• Controlled motion of the suspensions (compression & rebound) and application of forces (longitudinal & lateral forces) via twelve independent actuators
  - Max. vertical forces: 13.000 N
  - Max. horizontal forces: 5.000 N
• High-precision optical measurement system (AICON WheelWatch) for recording of the resulting displacements and wheel angle changes
• Capability to perform axle subsystem as well as full vehicle measurements

Measured K&C parameters:

• Tyre contact point displacement (x, y, z)
• Wheel center displacement (x, y, z)
• Toe & camber angle changes
• Roll center position (calculated)
• Steering ratio
• Caster angle changes during longitudinal force application

Vehicle limitations:

• Max. vehicle track width: 1.640 mm
• Max. vehicle wheel base 3.210 mm
• Special measurement configurations with vehicles beyond the stated limitations are upon request

Our services

Measurement preparations:

• Vehicle conditioning (e. g. loading with passenger dummies or dummy payload)
• Design & manufacturing of vehicle specific fixation adapters (if necessary)
• Application of additional sensors (e. g. to measure steering rack, spring or damper travel)
• Test bench preparation

Performance of K&C-measurements

• Performance of K&C-measurement on full vehicles or axle subsystems
  - Parallel & opposite wheel travel measurements
  - Steering measurements
  - Lateral force application
  - Longitudinal force application
• Optical measurement & recording of relevant K&C parameters

Data and test evaluation:

• Post-processing & evaluation of recorded measurement data
• Determination characteristic suspension parameters
• Preparation of detailed test documentation
• Generation of model-specific K&C-parameter files for common simulation tools

Your testing demand

You are welcome to contact us for an individual solution for your demands in the field of K&C parameter identification