Analysis of Truck and Bus Handling. Volume I

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Analysis of Truck and Bus Handling. Volume I

D. H. Weir / G. L. Teper / R. H. Hoh / R. W. Humes / C. S. Sihilling

The handling dynamics of an intercity bus and a three-axle straight truck were investigated using analytical and experimental techniques. Nonlinear equations of motion were derived and implemented as digital computer simulations. These provide for coupled large amplitude lateral and longitudinal motions; steering, braking, and throttle inputs; and nonlinear tire properties. A set of commercial vehicle handling test procedures were evolved and used in a series of full scale experiments to measure the handling performance of the example vehicles and verify the computer simulation. Various forms of limit performance were observed and analyzed including rollover, plowout (understeer), and spinout (oversteer). The nominal and limit response properties for a given vehicle depended on maneuver severity and test conditions, and the latter included various steer and brake inputs, forward velocities, vehicle loadings, and pavement coefficients (wet and dry).