Instrumentation for force, torque, strain, temperature, angular speed and position, and acceleration measurements.
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October 6, 2025BlogAccurate suspension component force measurement is essential for designing and validating vehicle suspension systems. Whether you’re correlating Road Load Data Acquisition (RLDA) with rig testing (i.e. MTS329) or optimizing chassis durability, understanding how forces travel through the suspension is critical. At Michigan Scientific, we specialize in instrumenting suspension components to deliver precise, reliable data in the most demanding environments.
Why Component-Level Measurement Matters
Total force and moment at the wheel can be captured using Wheel Force Transducers or virtual road estimation. But to understand how loads are distributed through the suspension and into the chassis, component-level measurements are required. That’s where suspension transducers come in.
Michigan Scientific’s Approach
Michigan Scientific has extensive experience in instrumenting suspension components to accurately measure forces in individual suspension components and chassis. Our transducers are engineered to minimize crosstalk and reduce sensitivity to boundary conditions and mounting effects.
The specific component selected for instrumentation depends on both the component’s geometry and the suspension layout. Our experience allows us to identify which components will yield the most accurate and meaningful force measurements for each design. Michigan Scientific offers free consultations and quotes for this type of work.
All complex components will go through FEA to determine the optimal strain gauge type and placement. This promotes high-quality strain gauge output and minimizes crosstalk. Every transducer is temperature compensated and coated with a durable, waterproof coating to ensure long-term reliability in demanding environment
Common Suspension Components
Tie Rod Force Transducer
Tie rods are a commonly instrumented component to measure steering forces. Michigan Scientific can instrument either the inner or outer tie rod. We prefer inner tie rod transducers because they have more strain output and are generally more accurate.
Ball Joint Transducers
Most vehicles have several ball joints. Lower control arm ball joints often experience the highest load and are the most important instrument. Michigan Scientific can instrument ball joints to measure two- or three-dimensional forces. A reference line is machined across the end of the ball joint stud to indicate the measurement axes. Custom calibration fixtures are fabricated to match the specific ball joint geometry. As an additional service, Michigan Scientific can remove ball joints from control arms for instrumentation and reinstall them afterward. If the ball joint cannot be removed due to design constraints, strain gauging can be performed with the joint still installed in the control arm. To maintain transducer integrity, care must be taken during installation to avoid bottoming out the ball joint stud.
Sway Bar Link Force Transducer
The sway bar link is a commonly instrumented component. Michigan Scientific ensures that boundary conditions during calibration match boundary conditions in the vehicle.
Sway Bar Torsion Transducer
Michigan Scientific can strain gauge and calibrate the sway bar to measure torque.
Suspension Link Axial Force Transducer
Michigan Scientific can strain gauge the suspension links to measure axial force. Curved or complex geometry links require FEA to determine the ideal strain gauge location.
Strut Transducers
Measuring force in a strut is challenging due to the coil spring and damper being arranged in parallel and directly mounted to the chassis. There are several effective methods that allow for accurate measurement without altering suspension height or geometry. Each of the approaches captures the total load transmitted into the strut.
Strut Bracket Transducer
A semi-custom transducer that replaces the bottom bracket portion of the Macpherson strut and clamps onto the strut tube. This does not require modification to the knuckle. This four-beam transducer is made from high strength stainless steel and makes a very accurate transducer.
Double Shear Pins Strut Force
An alternative approach that replaces the two bolts connecting the MacPherson strut to the knuckle with custom-engineered shear pins. These transducers are designed to measure load directly through the joint. While this method requires minor modifications to the knuckle and strut bracket, it offers excellent accuracy and preserves suspension geometry.
Shear Pin Strut Force
In cases of a strut with a lower through hole bushing, Michigan Scientific can replace the bolted joint at the bottom of the damper with a one- or two-axis Shear Pin Transducer to measure total force into the damper. Shear pins are semi-custom transducers that replace a bolted joint. This option requires some modification to the damper bushing and lower control arm.
Crossbar Strut Force
In cases of a strut with a lower bolting crossbar, Michigan Scientific press/machine out the lower bolting crossbar at the bottom of the damper. Then replace that crossbar with a one- or two-axis custom transducer to measure total force into the damper. A new crossbar would then be pressed into the bushing, and the strut can be installed as normal. This requires no modification to the lower control arm.
Fork/Clevis Strut Force Transducer
In cases of a strut with a lower fork or clevis, Michigan Scientific can strain gauge the OEM fork/clevis with accurate results. If the geometry allows, this is the quickest and most cost-effective option and requires minimal modification. Michigan Scientific ensures the bolt clamping load is representative of OEM installation to ensure accurate results.
Non-Recommended Method
Attempts have been made to instrument MacPherson struts by installing strain gauges on the strut tube. This method does not yield accurate results due to the piston moving inside the damper and the fluid pressure inside the tube.
Damper Transducers
Damper Fork/Clevis Transducer
In cases of a damper with a lower fork or clevis, Michigan Scientific can strain gauge the OEM fork/clevis with accurate results. If the geometry allows, this is the quickest and most cost-effective option and requires minimal modification. Michigan Scientific ensures the bolt clamping load is representative of OEM installation to ensure accurate results.
Damper Rod Force Transducer
Michigan Scientific can strain gauge damper rods to measure force specifically going through the damper rod. For this transducer, the damper shroud is removed or modified to allow for gauging. Some dampers allow for the wire to simply exit through the remaining shroud. Some dampers require the drilling of the end of the damper rod to allow the wire to exit through the end of the tie rod.
Damper Top Mount Force Transducer
If the damper top mount geometry allows, we can modify and strain gauge the top of the damper mount or replace it with a custom transducer to measure force. This will measure the total force from the damper to the chassis.
Rear Suspension Components
Shackle Force Transducer
Michigan Scientific can instrument the shackle to measure vertical force from the leaf spring into the chassis at one end of the leaf spring. We will run FEA on the shackle to determine the best strain gauge location. Maintaining representative boundary conditions is critical for this transducer.
Coil Spring Force Transducer
Measuring force in a coil spring provides valuable insight into how vertical loads are transmitted through the suspension system. Michigan Scientific can instrument coil springs to capture this data accurately, even under dynamic conditions. In addition to force, coil springs can be calibrated to measure displacement, which is useful for correlating spring compression with ride height and suspension travel.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss suspension instrumentation. Michigan Scientific engineers will work with you to identify the most effective instrumentation strategy based on your specific suspension layout and testing goals.
Authored by Vice President Andrew Cook [...]
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March 18, 2025BlogJoin the Michigan Scientific team on May 15, 2025, at the annual Holly Oaks ORV Park Industry Day. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., guests will receive tours of the park’s 200+ acre Off-Road Vehicle Experience, network with industry professionals, and be treated to a complimentary lunch sponsored by Michigan Scientific.
The event will feature an instrumented vehicle demonstrating Michigan Scientific precision equipment for off road testing.
This exclusive event is free to attend, and advance registration is required.
Holly Oaks invites attendees to BYOT (bring your own truck) to test the course and its varied terrain with a range of gradients and surfaces (inclines, gullies, hills, and water features) for ground vehicle testing.
Holly Oaks staff will be on hand to schedule your ORV or drone testing. The park can also be reserved for events and testing activities. Learn more about Holly Oaks ORV Park. Holly Oaks ORV Park | 14551 Shields Road | Holly, MI 48442
Test-SystemsDownload [...]
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October 1, 2024BlogMichigan Scientific Wheel Pulse Transducers are distance measuring instruments (DMI) that provide accurate reliable distance measurements for georeferencing and mobile mapping systems.
Compatible with vehicle-based mobile mapping systems (MMS), the Wheel Pulse Transducer mounts directly to the vehicle wheel and integrates with position and orientation (POS) and imaging modules to provide crucial distance data to supplement GPS/GNSS signals. A recent case study illustrates how high-resolution Wheel Pulse Transducer data not only helps to compensate for breaks in GPS signal but can outperform GPS sensor performance/distance tracking accuracy.
Michigan Scientific Wheel Pulse Transducers have proven to be a durable alternative to OEM DMIs for acquiring mobile mapping data in rugged environments. Building on decades of experience with on-vehicle slip ring technology, our weatherproof Wheel Pulse Transducer is ideal for testing in rainy, snowy, or dirty environments.
How do DMIs Work?
Distance measuring instruments or indicators include wheel sensors or odometers that calculate distance traveled based on the number of the vehicle’s wheel rotations. The encoder inside the DMI uses optical technology to generate pulses or output signals representing partial revolutions of the vehicle wheel to determine the precise linear distance traveled.
The DMI is connected to the vehicle’s wheel and the vehicle-mounted mobile mapping system.
Michigan Scientific Wheel Pulse Transducers provide reliable measurements to aid in mapping innovation. End users can use multi-sensor fusion SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) algorithms to pair the DMI with LiDAR sensor technology, high-resolution cameras, and GPS technology. This allows users to collect precise geospatial data for incredibly detailed mapping and indoor/outdoor 3D modeling. DMI technology simplifies data collection in even the most challenging environments in urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring applications. Contact Michigan Scientific today to discuss your application! [...]
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Featured Pages
August 10, 2023NewsCustom Multi-Axis Load Cells: Solutions for Your Measurement Needs
When a project requires a custom force and moment measurement solution, Michigan Scientific will work with our customers to define their requirements and propose solutions based on the number of measurement axes, load capacity, size limitations, accuracy, and load cell quantity needed.
Michigan Scientific employs some of the world’s most experienced and creative engineers and physicists in the design of Multi-Axis Load Cells. With our extensive expertise and innovative approach, we are confident we can deliver a solution that will work for your application.
Standard Multi-Axis Load Cells and Adaptation
Michigan Scientific has been designing and manufacturing Multi-Axis Load Cells for over 30 years. We currently manufacture 17 different standard Six Axis Load Cell models and 14 standard Three-Axis Load Cell models. Many of these standard Multi-Axis Load Cells are kept in stock for quick delivery times.
Meeting Unique Requirements with Custom Solutions
For some applications, a standard solution is not the best choice or even possible, so a custom load cell should be considered. Michigan Scientific designs load cells compatible with clean, medical industry standards to highly corrosive industrial environments, with IP67 protection being attainable for many applications. Michigan Scientific will design and manufacture custom load cells for any quantity and has provided both standard and custom load cells for many industries including automotive, military, heavy equipment, agricultural, aircraft, industrial, energy generation, and ship development.
Six Axis Calibration Capabilities
Michigan Scientific has one of the world’s largest Six-Axis Load Cell calibration stands, capable of calibrating load cells up to 667 kN force and 203 kN ∙ m moment. If higher calibration loads are required, larger calibration fixturing can be built. Our calibrations are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Working with Michigan Scientific
Michigan Scientific provides free consultations to determine a system price and a basic design proposal. After receipt of the PO or contract from a customer, the proposed design will be modified through direct consultation with the customer until a final design is approved.
To set up a load cell consultation, please fill out the Contact Us page. [...]
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April 11, 2022Michigan Scientific has extensive experience in applying strain gauges to a wide variety of components and equipment. The gauged part maintains its strength and physical integrity and can be used to collect accurate data on the forces it experiences during product development, component testing, and structural analysis. Our team has successfully instrumented small and large-scale components in even the most complex environments across industries and applications.
Michigan Scientific provides onsite strain gauge services and can instrument both component and structural applications for measurement and analysis at the customer’s location.
Michigan Scientific has strain gauged and collected data on:
Structural beams for deflection and stress testing
Circuit boards for monitoring stress
Thermal chamber door panel, monitored for deformation during manufacturing
Industrial 16 inch diameter drive shaft of a large cement plant ball mill for measuring torque, acceleration, and rotational velocity
Applications requiring deep bore gauging up to six inches in depth with a minimum diameter of 0.5 inches
Gearbox components
Solid axles via deep-bore gauging
Michigan Scientific also supports clients with data acquisition during testing and provides data processing, analysis, and reporting services. Data recording can be performed during the manufacturing process or in-service use to support a wide range of test and development activities.
Visit the Custom Force and Torque Transducers page for Michigan Scientific instrumentation solutions for research and development across industries.
Find out more about strain gauges; how they work and what they measure.
Reach out to a Michigan Scientific representative to start your project today. [...]
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March 15, 2022NewsWheel Force Transducers (WFTs) are used to measure vehicle reaction forces during durability and vehicle dynamics testing. MSC WFTs are known for their durability, accuracy, simple installation, and ease of use. Installed on cars, SUVs, all sizes of trucks, ATVs, agriculture equipment and construction machinery, MSC has a wide range of WFT capacities to fit almost any wheeled vehicle.
Wheel Force Transducer
Michigan Scientific Corporation WFTs output three forces, three moments, two accelerations, wheel speed, and wheel position signals to provide complete spindle load data with extreme accuracy. All WFTs include both CAN and Analog signal outputs.
Every system combines a high strength, lightweight transducer with weatherproofed protective coatings to function in a variety of driving conditions.
Product engineers determine appropriate WFT rental models for any application providing availability, pricing, and customized adapter options. Rental systems can be shipped immediately if Michigan Scientific has already manufactured the hub and rim adapter. CAD models of the WFT adapter layout guidelines and design review are provided at no additional charge. Rental periods can be as short as two weeks, for customers who only need short term use.
System Components
Michigan Scientific WFT rental systems include the WFT and the built in amplifier in either the Slip Ring or Telemetry system. The Stator Angle Corrector adjusts the real-time rotational angle signal from the wheel. The adjusted rotational angle signal is used in the coordinate transformation to prevent any error while the wheels are steered during dynamic testing. The WFT User Interface Electronics (CT2) provides high level CAN, Ethernet, and analog outputs. The CT2 accepts either analog or digital signals from the WFT. In addition, CT2 can also accept built in WFT accelerometer signals. All the signals together can be transmitted to the data acquisition system or computer through the digital outputs. The CAN signal cable is included, as well as the cabling for analog signal outputs. All the required cabling and fasteners are included to ensure easy setup. Adapters can be made available as needed. All systems are shopped in rugged packaging or shipping containers.
Support
Comprehensive support is available through phone, email, or on-site instruction. Michigan Scientific will provide on-site training and support at no charge if the facility is within 50 miles of Michigan Scientific. If the distance is greater, a travel fee would be charged. [...]
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