Experimental Analysis of the Influence of Body Stiffness on Dynamic Suspension Kinematics and Compliance Characteristics and Dynamic Body Behavior

Many disciplines of the current vehicle development process are still based on subjective scoring of prototypes, especially in the field of vehicle dynamics. To further reduce the need for hardware and to discover possible weaknesses early in the development process and therefore reduce costs, suitable simulative methods are required. The influence of body and chassis stiffness on vehicle dynamics is not fully understood and requires further research to implement reliable simulative methods. The development of methods requires an understanding and objective depiction of the physical chain. The influences of stiffening beams at the front of a vehicle on the static and dynamic response of wheels and body are observed by using static and dynamic suspension kinematics and a compliance test rig setup. This response is assessed by acceleration sensors, strain gauges, and optical measurement of wheel positions. Static load cases show that minor differences are caused by varying the vehicle’s stiffness. In the dynamic case, greater differences can be observed, especially by the acceleration sensors applied to the body. Dynamic assessment of the body and chassis stiffness can support future development of light and robust bodies and chassis while allowing for cost reduction by decreasing the need for hardware. Further research and objectification will lead to simulative models that can replace prototypes.