Title: Steering and handling testing using roadway simulator technology

Authors: G. Schultz, I. Tong, K. Kefauver, J. Ishibashi

Addresses: US Army Aberdeen Test Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5059, USA. ' US Army Aberdeen Test Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5059, USA. ' Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., Aberdeen Test Support Services, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5059, USA. ' Applied Research Associates, Inc., Aberdeen, MD 21001, USA

Abstract: This paper introduces the US Army Roadway Simulator and discusses steering and handling test results from this laboratory-based vehicle dynamics test facility. The basic components and operating principles are briefly described, followed by discussion of steady-state and transient steering test results for two-axle vehicles up to 25,300 pound gross vehicle weight. First, the ability of the Roadway Simulator to measure vehicle understeer gradient and peak cornering capability during skidpad tests is presented. Next, the ability to perform transient steer manoeuvre tests, such as the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration|s (NHTSA|s) fishhook test and sine steer tests, is discussed.

Keywords: roadway simulator; vehicle dynamics; vehicle steering; vehicle handling; steering testing; handling testing; vehicle-in-the-loop simulation; vehicle testing; vehicle understeer gradient; peak cornering capability; skidpad tests; transient steer manoeuvres; vehicle safety; fishhook test; sine steer tests.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2005.008571

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2005 Vol.1 No.1/2/3, pp.32 - 47

Published online: 04 Jan 2006 *

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