Title: A kinematic constraint method for stability analysis of articulated vehicles

Authors: B.W. Mooring, J. Genin

Addresses: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA. ' Dean of Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, N.M., USA

Abstract: This work examines a method of analyzing the handling response and stability of an articulated vehicle. The method consists of replacing the tyre force-slip angle relationships, that are typically used in handling analysis, with a kinematic constraint formulation. A vehicle model was analyzed using both the standard slip angle approach and the constraint method. The model examined is a simplified four degree-of-freedom model of a tractor-trailer system. The results of each analysis method are compared. These results indicate that use of the constraint method can afford greater ease in problem set up and solution and can eliminate the requirement for a tyre model. The results also indicate that the constraint method can provide an accurate estimate of tyre loading and vehicle stability boundaries.

Keywords: stability analysis; articulated vehicles; kinematic constraints; vehicle modelling; tyre force-slip angle; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1982.061281

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1982 Vol.3 No.2, pp.190 - 201

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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