Title: Analysis of handling characteristics of all-wheel-drive off-road vehicles

Authors: A.M. Sharaf, H. Rahnejat, P.D. King

Addresses: Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK. ' Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK. ' Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: This paper presents a 14-DOF mathematical model of an off-road vehicle, integrating terramechanics of tyre soil contact and vehicle dynamics. The model also includes all the other important sub-systems, such as the engine, driveline, steering and suspension systems. Different simulations are carried out, based on standard test manoeuvres, to investigate 4 × 4 vehicle handling performance under both transient and steady-state conditions. The results show better handling performance on clay than on loam and sand. This is mainly due to the high shearing strength of clay soil, compared with that of loam and sand.

Keywords: 4 × 4 off-road vehicles; terramechanics; vehicle handling; vehicle modelling; all-wheel-drive vehicles; tyre-soil contact; vehicle dynamics; simulation; handling performance; shearing strength.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2008.017986

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2008 Vol.15 No.1, pp.89 - 106

Published online: 25 Apr 2008 *

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