Title: Dynamic roll instability analysis of heavy vehicles using energy approach

Authors: P.J. Liu, S. Rakheja, A.K.W. Ahmed

Addresses: CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada. CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada. CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada

Abstract: In this paper, roll plane models of heavy vehicles are proposed to study their dynamic rollover properties. Equations of motions are derived using an energy approach. These equations are considered valid until the vehicle approaches its tip-over position. Dynamic rollover indicators in terms of Rollover Prevention Energy Reserve Factor (RPERF) and Critical Distance Ratio (CDR) are discussed. Dynamic rollover limits of a straight truck subject to different evasive manoeuvres are investigated using the proposed energy approach and the indicators. The dynamic rollover limits predicted by RPERF are slightly smaller than those predicted by CDR. It is concluded that the dynamic rollover limit of a vehicle is manoeuvre dependent, and the rollover limits at relatively high steering frequencies are considerably larger than the corresponding static rollover threshold of the vehicle. The dynamic rollover limits of the vehicle approaches the SRT from the upper side as the excitation frequency decreases. The SRT thus provides an underestimate of the anti-roll ability of the heavy vehicles under transient steering manoeuvres.

Keywords: dynamic roll instability; dynamic versus static rollover limits; heavy vehicle rollover; models based on energy approach.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2001.001159

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2001 Vol.8 No.2, pp.177-195

Published online: 01 Jul 2003 *

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