Suspension Kinematics Analysis & Hardpoint Validation
Analyze suspension kinematics, calculate hardpoints, validate geometry
What You Can Do
You can perform rapid kinematic calculations on suspension geometries, automatically generate hardpoint coordinate tables, calculate instant centers and roll centers, analyze anti-squat and anti-dive percentages, and validate that hardpoint coordinates meet your design specifications and packaging constraints. This skill accelerates preliminary suspension design iteration by enabling you to evaluate multiple topologies and identify geometry issues before committing to CAD modeling.
Features
determine kinematic pivots and suspension compliance behavior from linkage geometry
create validated pickup point tables from suspension layout descriptions and design constraints
calculate load transfer percentages and longitudinal weight transfer characteristics
analyze how toe and camber change through suspension travel to predict handling behavior
check hardpoints against packaging constraints, link length limits, and performance targets with clear pass/fail reporting
evaluate different suspension architectures side-by-side with consistent kinematic metrics
produce design review-ready reports with calculations, diagrams, and trade-off justification
Example Output
Example 1: Double-wishbone hardpoint validation
Suspension Type: Double-Wishbone (Front)
Design Target: 2° negative camber gain, bump steer < 0.1°/100mm
HARDPOINT COORDINATES (mm)
| Point | X | Y | Z | Status |
|-------|----|----|----|---------|
| UCA-Chassis | 50 | 220 | 180 | ✓ Pass |
| UCA-Hub | 120 | 280 | 220 | ✓ Pass |
| LCA-Chassis | 60 | 50 | 160 | ✓ Pass |
| LCA-Hub | 130 | 120 | 200 | ✓ Pass |
INSTANT CENTER: X=45mm, Z=315mm (outboard, above hub)
ROLL CENTER: Z=85mm (96mm above ground)
CAMBER GAIN: -2.1° per 100mm bump (Target: -2.0° ± 0.5°) ✓ PASS
BUMP STEER: +0.08°/100mm (Target: < 0.1°) ✓ PASS
Example 2: Anti-squat comparison
Geometry A (Current): Anti-squat = 78% → Predictable understeer under acceleration
Geometry B (Proposed): Anti-squat = 92% → Reduced weight transfer, more neutral balance
Recommendation: Adopt Geometry B; meets packaging and improves transient response
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with prompts for kinematic calculations and hardpoint analysis:
- Hardpoint Coordinate Template: standardized format for inputting and validating suspension geometry
- Kinematic Parameters Checklist: instant center, roll center, anti-squat, anti-dive, camber gain, and bump steer calculations
- Suspension Topology Comparison Framework: side-by-side analysis template for evaluating multiple designs
- Design Validation Report Template: engineering-ready output format with specifications, calculations, pass/fail status, and recommendations
Who It's For
- Suspension Engineers — analyzing kinematic relationships and validating hardpoint geometry during concept and preliminary design phases
- Vehicle Dynamics Engineers — correlating suspension geometry to handling behavior and tuning targets
- Motorsport Design Teams — rapidly iterating suspension topologies and documenting design rationale for competition builds
- Automotive CAD Designers — validating suspension layouts before detailed 3D modeling to catch geometry issues early
- Design Review Engineers — preparing kinematic justification and trade-off analysis for stakeholder presentations
Best For
- Preliminary suspension concept analysis and topology evaluation
- Hardpoint coordinate generation and validation against design specifications
- Instant center, roll center, and kinematic gain calculations
- Anti-squat, anti-dive, camber gain, and bump steer analysis
- Multi-geometry comparison and design trade-off documentation
- Troubleshooting unexpected handling characteristics through kinematic assessment
- Design review material preparation with engineering-ready calculations and justification
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