Title: Interpretation of roll plane stability models

Authors: Jamie Gertsch, Taehyun Shim

Addresses: DaimlerChrysler Research and Technology North America, General Dynamics Land Systems, 38500 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan – Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA

Abstract: Non-linear yaw and roll stability limits are derived for three quasi-static roll plane vehicle models: rigid vehicle, suspended vehicle, and compliant tyre vehicle. A generalised stability equation is developed that fits each of the models when superelevation is included and the use of linearising assumptions is minimised. This generalised stability equation leads to the definition of two new parameters referred to as generalised superelevation and generalised centre of gravity height, which are shown to be physically meaningful. The rigid and suspended vehicle roll stability limits are compared in some detail for a tractor-semitrailer combination. The predicted roll stability limits vary widely, depending on the combination of vehicle parameters.

Keywords: roll plane models; yaw stability; roll stability; vehicle rollover; centre of gravity; superelevation; tractors; semitrailers; rigid vehicles; suspended vehicles; compliant tyre vehicles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.017070

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.46 No.1, pp.72 - 93

Published online: 06 Feb 2008 *

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