Title: Prediction of vehicle stability using a ''back to back'' tyre test method

Authors: D. J. Cole, Y.H. Khoo

Addresses: Department of Engineering, Univerity of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 lPZ, UK. ' Former student, School of Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering and Management, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.

Abstract: A novel method for measuring the cornering stiffness of pneumatic tyres is described. Data collected for a bicycle tyre are presented, and it is shown that the variation of cornering stiffness with vertical force is similar to that observed for car tyres. The stability of a lightweight vehicle using three wheels fitted with the tyres is investigated theoretically. It is found that there is a trade-off between understeer gradient (a measure of directional stability) and rollover threshold. The nature of the trade-off depends on whether the single wheel is on the front axle or rear axle. Neither position is clearly better.

Keywords: cornering stiffness; lightweight vehicle handling; measurement; stability; bicycle tyres; car tyres; understeer gradient; rollover threshold; pneumatic tyres.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2001.005225

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2001 Vol.26 No.5, pp.573 - 582

Published online: 12 Sep 2004 *

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