HORIBA MIRA Introduces Most Advanced ABD K&C Technology in the World

HORIBA MIRA, a world-leader in vehicle engineering, research and product testing, has further enhanced its Kinematics & Compliance facility with the addition of the latest technology in suspension testing – fully integrated point location measurement.

The K&C Inspect system, powered by AICON, uses twin photometric cameras to offer this measurement capability seamlessly during the K&C testing process, making it the most advanced Anthony Best Dynamics K&C test facility in the world.

Alongside its main purpose – which includes measuring a complete spectrum of parameters essential to understanding a vehicle’s ride and handling performance – K&C testing offers a unique opportunity to measure component displacements and deformations when loads are applied to suspension and steering systems. The reactions to such loads are complex and three dimensional, making it increasingly difficult to use traditional instrumentation. As the industry develops, it has become ever more desirable for vehicle manufacturers and Formula One race teams to characterise these reactions to enhance the correlation of simulation models – something the K&C Inspect system can help with by measuring down to the width of a human hair.

The K&C Inspect system works by using small reflective targets that can be located in three dimensions with pinpoint accuracy and tracked at high frequency throughout a K&C test. Applied to any surface on the vehicle in view of the cameras, the targets are used to measure component, chassis and subframe displacements and deformations. By using two AICON Move Inspect cameras, up to 50 points can be measured simultaneously and the output recorded directly alongside K&C data.

David Dabbs, Senior Engineer at HORIBA MIRA, said:

“The investment into the K&C facility here at HORIBA MIRA means we can continue offering the latest in cutting edge technology when it comes to developing world class vehicle attributes. The AICON K&C Move Inspect system allows us to gather 3D data more accurately and efficiently, which is critical to satisfying manufacturers’ needs for the creation of simulation models and the development of prototype vehicles.”

Already home to Europe’s only independent dynamic Suspension Parameter Measuring Machine (SPMM), HORIBA MIRA’s most recent investment into its K&C facilities represents the latest development from a 20-year partnership with SPMM manufacturers, Anthony Best Dynamics (ABD).

Dr Adrian Simms, Chief Engineer, Laboratory Test Systems, AB Dynamics, said:

“At the AICON system demonstration hosted by HORIBA MIRA in 2015, the MIRA Engineers immediately recognised the potential of the system to extract valuable additional information during K&C testing. AB Dynamics were delighted that HORIBA MIRA then supported its development by ordering the very first system as well as providing valuable user input during the design process. We are confident that it will prove to be a valuable additional capability to HORIBA MIRA’s already impressive K&C facility.”