DIGITAL SIMULATION OF ROLL-OVER OF A MILITARY VEHICLE

The main features of a computer program known as the Highway Vehicle Object Simulation Model are described from the viewpoint of the vehicle dynamicist, whose interest is in using the program to solve practical problems. The application of the program to obtain an understanding of the occurrence of a substantial number of rollover accidents with the M-151 (a U.S. military vehicle) is then described through its various stages--data acquisition, simulation of different manoeuvres, and interpretation of results. The swing-axle geometry of the rear suspension is found to have a major influence on the steering behaviour, both lateral and overturning. A relatively large proportion of the total load transfer occurs across the rear wheels, which transfer encourages "jacking" of the rear suspension, reduction of the track width, and increasing sensitivity of the vehicle to steering control. The simulated behaviour is found to accord with real world experience in showing sudden changes in response near limit cornering conditions, easily leading to rollover, with little to warn the driver of impending disaster.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Road Vehicle Handling, I Mech E Conference Publications 1983-5. Sponsored by Automobile Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers under patronage of Federation Internationale des Societies d'Ingenieurs des Techniques de l'Automobile (FISITA) held at the Motor Industry Research Association, Nuneaton, 24-26 May 1983.
• Corporate Authors:

  Mechanical Engineering Publications Limited

  P.O. Box 24, Northgate Avenue
  Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6BW,   England 
• Authors:
  • SHARP, R S
  • Segel, L
• Conference:
  • Road Vehicle Handling, I Mech E Conference Publications 1983-5. Sponsored by Automobile Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers under patronage of Federation Internationale des Societies d'Ingenieurs des Techniques de l'Automobile (FISITA) he
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 23-29

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Military vehicles; Rear suspension systems; Rollover crashes; Simulation; Steering; Vehicle dynamics
• Old TRIS Terms: Cornering (Vehicle); Rear suspension; Steering control
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00387026
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: C112/83, HS-036 338
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 30 1984 12:00AM