Get the Test Data You Need.

Use suspension kinematics and compliance (K&C) testing to powerfully meet your goals and complete you projects. Don’t settle for halfmeasures, take your program to the next level.

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Best in class K&C

K&C Testing

Suspension geometry and compliances

Hardpoint CMM

CMM measurements of suspension hardpoints

CG & MOI

Vehicle inertia and center of gravity

Experience you can trust.

Years of Experience

Vehicles Tested

Three Common Goals for K&C Testing

Goal: Measure the suspension data required for an accurate CarSim® model

Procedure: A series of K&C tests will provide the data necessary for front & rear suspension models, steering system models, and some chassis modeling in the CarSim® environment. As a supplement to the actual test data, Morse Measurements will provide an expanded PARS file that will import directly into CarSim®. Center of gravity and moment of inertia measurements can be easily made through a local partner.

Goal: Benchmark a competitor’s vehicle to evaluate their design decisions

Procedure: A series of K&C tests will be run revealing suspension design decisions and their consequences in suspension performance. The effects of compliance on the suspension will be measured, with longitudinal, lateral, and aligning torque loads being applied at the tire contact patch. Easy to read reports will provide detailed data along with linear rates of change, allowing for differing levels of analysis and comparison.

Goal: Evaluate a prototype build

Procedure: In order to evaluate a prototype build a series of K&C tests will be run that will characterize the geometry and performance of the prototype. The results can then be compared to the expected performance based on the design. K&C testing provides a more comprehensive understanding of how well a prototype build lines up with the design.

K&C Testing

K&C testing is a special type of vehicle suspension testing. The “K” stands for Kinematics – This is the suspension geometry (toe, camber, etc.). The “C” stands for Compliance – This is the suspension stiffness (i.e. how far do things bend when road loads come up through the tires).

All these forces and displacements are applied slowly (quasi-statically) to capture suspension force-displacement relationships and friction. By measuring all these things at Morse Measurements – where everything is accessible and repeatable – you can reduce a lot of the guesswork and costs associated with on-road/track test sessions.

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704.638.6515

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Don’t Just Take Our Word for It:

“This [K&C testing] is a key enabler for us to make good design decisions in a timely way and without another round of expensive prototype vehicles; it multiplies the learning from a given prototype significantly.”

Rachel Abril

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer, Byton

“If you don’t invest the time and money in kinematics & compliance testing, you are leaving a lot of performance potential on the table. ”
Timothy Drotar

Sr. Research and Development Engineer, Ford Motor Company

“With the help of the very professional and competent team at Morse Measurement we got a fast and efficient evaluation of how our prototype performs versus our predictions, and a large step closer to reaching our development targets.”

Stefan Karlsson

Sr. Tech Specialist Vehicle Dynamics, Lucid Motors

“K&C testing with Morse Measurements has proven invaluable in our development of superior road cars, suspension components, and championship winning race cars.”
Hao Wang

Assistant General Manager, Multimatic Inc.

F.A.Q.

Got a question? The answer might be here. If you can’t find the answers to your questions then please contact us.
What exactly is compliance?
There is a great deal of confusion surrounding the very words “kinematics” and “compliance”. In some contexts, “compliance” might refer to compliance with rules or regulations. But that’s not the meaning we are after. For engineers, “compliance” is the inverse of stiffness. So a higher stiffness value corresponds to a lower compliance value.
Is it a 7-post rig or a shaker rig?
K&C testing is often confused with shaker rig testing. These two types of test technologies measure different aspects of the suspension and chassis. Shaker rigs operate at high speed / frequency and apply only vertical loading to the suspension. They are often used by racers to tune dampers (shocks). K&C tests are run slowly (intentionally) to minimize inertia effects and accurately measure load-displacement relationships. K&C testing applies vertical loading along with lateral loads (cornering), longitudinal loads (braking and traction), and aligning torque (twist) at the tire contact. K&C testing measures all aspects of the suspension except the dampers. As such, the two types of test rigs are complimentary.
Is it like a pull-down rig?
The capabilities of K&C testing go far beyond a pull-down rig. Pull-down rigs can measure vertical ride rates (to an extent) and are good for checking clearance. However, they lack the ability to input cornering and braking forces and most provide no measurement of steer, camber, or wheel center motion.
How do I know what tests to run?
Morse Measurements will help you develop a custom test plan. Just tell us what you want to know and we’ll recommend the appropriate test(s) to get the answers you need.
What amenities are provided on test day?
Desks are provided with internet access and a conference room is available. For full day tests, lunch is provided at no additional charge. In addition free drinks and snacks are provided.
What other services does Morse Measurements offer?
In addition to K&C testing, Morse Measurements offers measurement of suspension coordinates (CMM), damper characterization (off vehicle), engineering consulting, simulation software support, and K&C seminars.

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FIll out this form and hit, “Get in Touch”. One of our engineers will send you an email ASAP to start a conversation about if K&C testing can help you in your projects.

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