SAFE CAR HANDLING FACTORS

The article discusses the problem of assessing vehicle handling which involves computer analysis of the complex movement of a vehicle's centre of gravity during severe braking or swerving at speed. Although driver/vehicle/road interaction can be visualised as a closed loop control system with computer analysis using mathematical models, such methods cannot make allowance for driver over-reaction. While it is possible to devise handling tests to determine the basic characteristics of a vehicle the steady state tests fall short of indicating car safety when undertaken by the general public. Mathematical models used to analyse vehicle handling and 1) scan the interaction of design changes, 2) obtain values for steady state responses, and 3) indicate component strengthening, are said to over simplify some of the characteristics of the sub-system. Aspects of vehicle handling are discussed under such headings as - the role of the pneumatic tyre, steering feel, suspension effects, effect of accelerating and braking, weight distribution, hard versus soft springing, handling controllability and, viability of international vehicle handling tests. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Mechanical Engineers

  1 Birdcage Walk
  London SW1H 9JJ,   England 
• Authors:
  • Jacabson, MAI
• Publication Date: 1974-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 6-15
• Serial:
  • Journal of Automotive Engineering
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue Number: 6

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Automated vehicle control; Braking; Center of gravity; Digital computers; Drivers; Driving; Errors; Evaluation; Feedback control; Handling characteristics; Loops (Control systems); Mathematical models; Motor reactions; Reaction time; Simulation; Speed; Steady state; Tests; Vehicle characteristics; Vehicle components
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver reaction; Handling
• ITRD Terms: 6471: Analysis (math); 1874: Braking; 8673: Digital computer; 6440: Error; 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 6473: Mathematical model; 2247: Reaction (human); 9103: Simulation; 5408: Speed; 6255: Test; 1646: Vehicle handling
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00125039
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 18 1975 12:00AM