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

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