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The ridemeter is a development tool that provides a predictive value for subjectively perceived ride quality on the basis of objective measured values. After years of preliminary investigations it was possible to make the link between the subjective driving experience and objective measured data. Intensive validation of the tool known as the ridemeter enables it to obtain meaningful results, which meet with a high degree of acceptance from the development engineer. The ridemeter is capable of providing calculated assessments for different vehicle concepts on different roads. The ridemeter is used on general road tests, on test runs on the AUDI proving ground, on our test rigs and in simulation. Areas of application include benchmark investigations, optimisation steps for suspension components and systems, and the setting out of limit values and tolerance curves in specifications for future vehicles.

At single irregularities, such as manhole covers and joints in concrete road surfaces, axle and engine vibrations are increased. Depending on the response characteristic of the vehicle chassis and seats and the duration of the event, such excitations can have a considerable influence on the comfort of vehicle occupants. With the objective of optimising the vibration characteristics of the axles of a vehicle, a procedure is presented which clarifies the motion sequences due to certain types of excitation on a roller test stand. This knowledge permits the optimisation of the axle kinematics, the axle bearings, and the spring-damper system.