Title: Nonlinear analysis of stability for motorcycle-rider systems

Authors: T.S. Liu, J.S. Chen

Addresses: Associate Professor, Department or Mechanical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hainchu 30350, Taiwan, Republic of China. ' Graduate Student, Department or Mechanical Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hainchu 30350, Taiwan, Republic of China

Abstract: In this study, linear and nonlinear analyses of motorcycle-rider motion are carried out to investigate the stability of the motorcycle-rider integrated system. Equations of motion are derived using Lagrange|s equation. Transfer functions that account for the rider|s perception and action are taken into account. In the linear analysis, its dynamic behaviour is characterised by eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The effects of design parameter changer on capsize, weave and wobble modes are examined, and the design implication is discussed. The nonlinear analysis for system stability is conducted by means of the centre manifold theory and bifurcation theory. Stability boundaries in a parameter space and the corresponding bifurcation diagrams are obtained for in-depth understanding of the system stability. Moreover, comparison of results with and without rider|s control shows the significant effect of the rider on the stability performance of the entire system.

Keywords: motorcycle-rider systems; motorcycle stability; nonlinear stability analysis; rider control; motorcycles; motorbikes; equations of motion; transfer functions; centre manifold theory; bifurcation theory; weave mode; wobble mode; capsize mode.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1992.061728

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1992 Vol.13 No.3, pp.276 - 294

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

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