New Suspension Measurement System

September 25th, 2008

Anthony Best Dynamics (ABD) has launched a new version of the company’s successful Suspension Parameter Measurement Machine (SPMM) that can be used for dynamic Kinematic and Compliance (K&C) testing as well as quasi-static testing. The SPMM 4000 HS meets an industry requirement to reduce the time from concept to manufacturing a new vehicle, with increased use of computer analysis and prediction techniques. It can measure suspension characteristics that are important to ride and handling in a wide range of vehicles from the smallest passenger cars to light trucks and MPVs.

Like the existing SPMM 4000 system, the new SPMM 4000 HS can be supplied as either a two or four wheel station machine. The four wheel station model will measure both axles of a vehicle simultaneously and provide a fast turnaround of just a few hours for producing a full suite of suspension and steering measurements for a vehicle. This has been further aided by the development of wheel centring compensation software which reduces vehicle set up time, as it is no longer necessary to manually centre the wheel plates when they are attached to the wheels.

In operation, the SPMM automatically subjects the suspension and steering of a vehicle to a variety of forces and displacements and measures the effects. Dynamic testing has been made possible by equipping the new system with high speed actuators capable of vertical excitation at frequencies of 5 Hz at speeds of 140 mm/s. It utilises ‘Dynamic wheel pad force control’ software which can accurately control wheelpad forces at frequencies of 5 Hz.

The SPMM 4000 HS records the wheel displacements and the forces and moments occurring at the tyre to road interface, caused by bounce, roll and pitch of the vehicle body and also by the application of simulated cornering, braking and traction forces. These include the kinematic characteristics due to suspension and steering system geometries, and compliances due to suspension springs, anti-roll bars, elastomeric bushes and component deformations.

Entry Filed under: Component Test