Abstract: A vehicle testing apparatus for subjecting a vehicle to a compound force includes a support disposed in a plane for supporting the vehicle, and a mechanism coupled to the support for moving the support along at least one of three perpendicular axes. The mechanism subjects the vehicle to the compound force resulting from simultaneous movements along any combination of the axes. The mechanism includes a first platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a first axis, and a second platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a second axis, with the support preferably also being movable along a third axis. The support preferably also includes actively or passively controlled contact surfaces in all three axes with an optional trip mechanism. In addition, a first actuating device is preferably coupled to the first platform and a second actuating device is preferably coupled to the second platform.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a vehicle testing apparatus (10, 110) for subjecting a vehicle (12) to a compound force. The vehicle testing apparatus (10, 110) includes a support (14) disposed in a plane for supporting the vehicle (12). The vehicle testing apparatus (10, 110) further includes a mechanism (34) coupled to the support (14) for moving the support (14) along and around at least one of three axes (X, Y, Z). The mechanism (34) subjects the vehicle (12) to the compound force that is the result of simultaneous movements along and around any combination of the axes (X, Y, Z) while controlling the reaction forces. The mechanism (34) includes a first platform (36) constrained for rectilinear movement along a first axis (X), and a second platform (38) constrained for rectilinear movement along a second axis (Y), with the support 14 being movable along a third axis (Z).