Stability and directional control of automotive vehicle (Vehicle handling) – (DIN030)

This course has the following objectives:

To introduce the concepts of stability and directional control of automotive vehicles;
To present the main subsystems related to the directional behavior of vehicles and how to represent them;
To define the main parameters associated with the handling characteristics;
To evaluate the effect of the suspension and steering geometries on the directional behavior of automotive vehicles.

Topics:

Introduction
- Definition of vehicle handling
- Quantities related to the lateral dynamics
Tire models for vehicle handling analysis
- Mechanics of lateral force generation
- Self-aligning torque
Steering system models
- Steering of the vehicle using a motion statement on the steering-wheel (Fixed control)
- Steering of the vehicle by applying torque to the steering-wheel (free control)
Vehicle models for handling analysis
- Plane models
- Models with approximate rolling of the vehicle chassis
- Models with vehicle suspensions
Analysis of the vehicle lateral dynamics
- Stability
- Steady state response
- Transient response
Under and over steering
- Definition of understeer gradient
- Methods for determination of understeer gradient
Effect of suspension and steering systems on the vehicle lateral dynamics
- Definition of the main parameters associated with the handling characteristics
- Analysis of the effect of suspension and steering parameters on the vehicle handling

Basic bibliography

Complementary bibliography