A Facility for the Measurement of Heavy Truck Chassis and Suspension Kinematics and Compliances

This paper will present an overview of a new facility capable of measuring the kinematic and compliance (K&C) properties of heavy trucks. In this facility, the vehicle is positioned on the test rig and evaluated as a complete vehicle under normal loading conditions. The test rig can accommodate heavy trucks and tractors in two-axle or three-axle configurations. Kinematic and compliance characteristics of the front and rear suspensions and the steering system are evaluated as a function of vertical suspension deflection and roll, and as a function of longitudinal driving and braking forces and lateral cornering forces applied at the tire contact patch. A description of the test rig, including layout, instrumentation, actuators, and controls will be presented. The test methodology and a description of the test results will also be presented.