What is kinematics and compliance (K&C) testing?

Kinematics and compliance (K&C) testing is a specialised form of suspension testing that involves applying real-world loads and displacements to a vehicle’s chassis and tyres. The goal of K&C testing is to ascertain the geometry and stiffness characteristics of the vehicle’s suspension system under quasi-static conditions. A K&C test machine provides a thorough understanding of a vehicle’s kinematic and compliance characteristics by applying simple but very accurate inputs. The resulting data informs on the vehicle’s ride and handling characteristics.

How the SPMM Plus works

The SPMM Plus has two key areas of measurement: wheel position and wheel force. The test vehicle is clamped to the table and suspension kinematics are analysed by moving the table to simulate the motions of the vehicle body that occur on the road. The resulting wheel centre movement is measured using our Dynamic Arm measurement system, whilst controlling the tyre contact patch loads to zero.

To measure compliance, horizontal inputs are applied at the tyre contact patch by the wheel stations. The wheel stations apply these loads by moving longitudinally (X), laterally (Y) and rotationally (δ). Forces and displacements are measured by the wheel stations integrated piezo-electric load cells.