Suspension Designer Library

Suspension Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can be used to understand how a suspension system will perform under different driving conditions, e.g. during cornering, braking, steering, etc.  The Kinematics and Compliance (K&C) KPIs used in RACE suspension multibody simulation software and the automotive and motorsport industries, are listed below.  Each KPI is linked to an article explaining the measure and its effect on vehicle performance.

KINEMATICS

GEOMETRY

• Static Camber
• Static Toe
• Static Castor and Castor Trail
• Kingpin Angle, Scrub Radius and Wheel Centre Lateral Offset
• Wheel Centre Longitudinal Offset
• Track Width at Contact Patch

VERTICAL

• Bump / Roll Camber
• Bump / Roll Steer
• Bump Castor
• Wheel Rate
• Spring / Damper Ratio
• Kinematic Wheel Centre Recession
• Contact Patch Lateral Migration

ROLL

• Bump / Roll Camber
• Bump / Roll Steer
• Wheel Rate

STEERING

• Steering Ratio
• Static Toe Link Load
• Ackermann at 50mm Rack Travel
• Lock Angle +/-50mm Rack Travel

COMPLIANCE

CORNERING

• Compliance Steer
• Camber Compliance
• Contact Patch Lateral Compliance
• Tyre Torque Compliance
• Roll Centre Height – Force Based

BRAKING

• Brake Steer
• Contact Patch Longitudinal Compliance
• Anti-Properties – Anti-Dive/Anti-Lift/Anti-Squat

TRACTION

• Traction Steer
• Wheel Centre Stiffness – Longitudinal Compliance
• Anti-Properties – Anti-Dive/Anti-Lift/Anti-Squat