Preliminary investigation of the effects of a road friction change on the trajectory of an automobile

The general problem of road friction deterioration along a curve is introduced. It is noted that a vehicle, once travelling on a low friction surface, will have a markedly reduced responsiveness and predictability. Any disturbance, particularly of a transient nature, associated with a road friction change is thus seen as a potential factor in loss of control. A pilot experiment simulating these road conditions is described. The presence of loose sand and stones in the curved path of a test vehicle caused relatively large and sudden lateral disturbances. Furthermore, these disturbances were found to increase with increasing speed and path curvature. It is seen that certain features of the results agree with predictions based on mathematical models of tyre and vehicle. Details of the requirements for a full scale experiment are given, and it is suggested that drivers' responses to sudden disturbances of this type be investigated (a).

• Record URL:
  http://arrbknowledge.com
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/909996725
• Authors:
  • Sweatman, P F
• Conference:
  • Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) Conference, 7th, 1974, Adelaide
• Publication Date: 1974

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 148-58
• Monograph Title: Economic analysis of accidents for traffic engineers
• Serial:
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue Number: 5

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Curvature; Driving; Friction; Rolling contact; Skidding; Speed; Steering; Surface course (Pavements)
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• ATRI Terms: Degree of curvature; Friction; Skidding; Speed; Steering; Surfacing; Vehicle handling; Vehicle pavement interaction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01442213
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• ISBN: 909996725
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 25 2012 12:03AM