The SUV rear wheel axle under different loading conditions at digital image correlation approach for road safety

This study focuses on measuring changes in the rear-axle wheel alignment of an SUV under various load levels and load arrangements, using the Digital Image Correlation approach with the PONTOS 5 M system. Four load cases were applied, covering the passenger and luggage compartments, with maximum masses of 200 and 300 kg, respectively. Results were recorded in the 3D coordinate system, capturing displacement along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. The results showed that changes in rear-axle wheel alignment are strongly related to load level, whereas load arrangement strongly influences the displacement path. As a result of wheel movement, there were significant changes in the rear toe-in and rear camber angles. This affects the handling of the vehicle when the luggage and passenger compartments carry heavy loads. During the loading of the rear part of the passenger compartment, different changes in the displacement resultant vector of the individual measurement points were observed compared to the result for the luggage compartment.