FAQ

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.

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. To learn more about the differences, click here.

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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. To learn more, click here.

On-track events can be played back through the K&C rig at reduced speed. Full lateral/longitudinal loading can be applied at the tire contacts with the chassis moving in realistic positions and the steering robot providing driver steering input. This allows you to see true steer and camber orientations as they occur on-track. To do this type of test, you need to provide detailed data taken from the car on-track. At a minimum, this needs to include shock positions (or laser ride height) at all four corners and accelerometer measurements. No generic tracks are available, as this test is specific to the car being tested.

Although applying multiple inputs simultaneously is realistic, interpretation of the results can be difficult because of the complexity. As a result, most customers choose to run more traditional K&C tests, which most often apply one input at a time. These allow clear cause and effect to be measured and understood and provide more insight into the behavior of the suspension.

K&C testing provides insight into a vehicle’s suspension and allows measurements that just couldn’t be practically done any other way. Where else can you apply over 2000 lb of lateral force to the tire contact and accurately measure how much camber and steer changes as a result? To learn more, click here.

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.

The tires that are normally used on the car would be the first choice. However, if you don’t have access to these tires, as often happens in racing, K&C measurements can still be made. Although tire stiffnesses are measured, the primary K&C measurements are all taken from the wheel hub, so any tires may be used.

Preparation varies depending on vehicle type. Morse Measurements will provide you with a vehicle preparation guide, specific to your vehicle type. We are also available to do the preparation for you.

Most K&C tests are charged per hour. In addition, special packages are available for production vehicles that charge per K&C test, rather than per hour. Contact Morse Measurements to discuss which applies best in your situation.

Call or email us with date(s) you want to test. We can reserve a spot on the calendar right away. During most times of the year, tests are scheduled about a month in advance. If you need to get in more quickly, let us know and we’ll do our best to find an open day on the calendar.

Morse Measurements will work through the process of loading the car onto the K&C rig. We will work with you as needed to confirm ride heights, tire pressures, corner weights, etc. After loading, K&C tests will be run and real-time data files and reports will be generated. Test plans can be easily revised on the fly, based on results.

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.

K&C testing is used by a wide range of companies and engineers involved in suspension systems. Everything from top-level professional race teams to OEMs to Tier 1 suppliers to aftermarket suspension companies. If you don’t have the engineering staff to analyze and apply this information, we can provide consulting services to be sure you get the most from your K&C test.

For those producing aftermarket suspension kits and components, K&C testing can help with engineering development and validate your marketing claims. It’s easy to blindly say your anti-roll bar improves roll stiffness by 50%. K&C testing can measure the actual improvements you made.

K&C testing measures what the real suspension does in response to realistic loading conditions. With this level of sophisticated testing publicly available, there’s no need to guess. You can know. Here’s what top level race engineer Jeff Braun had to say about it. Click here.

We are located in Salisbury, NC, about 35 minutes northeast of Charlotte off of I-85. Take exit 72, the Peach Orchard Road exit. Go east on Peach Orchard. Take the first left onto Porter road, which runs adjacent to the highway, and then turn right into the Speedway Business Park. You’ll find us on the left hand side, #1163.

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.