STEERING CONTROLLABILITY CHARACTERISTICS

The relationship of the steering controllability characteristics of domestically-produced subcompact, compact, and intermediate size automobiles to specifications on yaw-rate gain and response time as developed in NHTSA research programs is examined through (1) an analytical survey of the yaw response of 1977 vehicles and (2) open- and closed-loop testing of 3 selected vehicles in modified and unmodified conditions. It is found that, with the exception of some vehicle models equipped with manual steering, the directional performance characteristics of currently produced subcompact, compact, and intermediate size cars lie within the 'optimum' region that has been defined through NHTSA research. It is recommended that further effort in defining safety-related handling requirements is needed before implementing vehicle performance specifications.

Supplemental Notes:
- See also report dated February 75, PB-240208.
Corporate Authors:
Highway Safety Research Institute

Huron Parkway and Baxter Road
Ann Arbor, MI United States 48109

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590
Authors:
- Fancher, P S
- Winkler, C B
- Mac Adam, C C
- Segel, L
- MALLIKARJUNARAO, C
Publication Date: 1977-8-31

Media Info

Pagination: 189 p.

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Compact automobiles; Dynamic loads; Feedback control; Human factors engineering; Kinetics; Motor reactions; Motor vehicles; Performance based specifications; Safety engineering; Specifications; Stability (Mechanics); Steering; Yaw
Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic response
Old TRIS Terms: Intermediates; Reaction kinetics; Steering control
Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 00176241
Record Type: Publication
Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-HS-803-306 No. 1Final Rpt.
Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-6-01409
Files: TRIS, USDOT
Created Date: Aug 19 1978 12:00AM