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All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) lateral/directional handling and stability is predominantly affected by tire and load transfer characteristics, and the lack of a rear axle differential. The combined effect of these characteristics are surveyed in this paper through the use of steady state analysis and simple linear dynamic analysis over a range of vehicle characteristics and maneuvering conditions. Computer analysis results are also compared with field test data obtained with instrumented vehicles.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have unique design features, including low pressure tires, a solid rear axle (i.e., no differential), and a relatively high center of gravity compared to wheel track width, that exert significant influence on their lateral/directional handling and stability properties. In addition, rider weight is a reasonable proportion of vehicle weight and weight shift is used as an additional control means in combination with steering, throttle and braking. This paper describes a nonlinear, time domain simulation analysis of the transient lateral/directional response properties of ATVs with rider control. The simulation is derived from earlier automotive applications. A description of the analytic model and computer simulation are given along with validation comparisons of instrumented vehicle field test data and computer simulation runs.

This paper describes validation work carried out for two vehicle dynamics computer simulation programs. One program, referred to as VDANL (Vehicle Dynamics Analysis NonLinear), is intended to simulate passenger cars, vans and light trucks. The second program simulates All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and is referred to as NLATV (NonLinear ATV). The programs have been checked out and validated for a variety of maneuvering conditions and a broad range of vehicles. The programs run on IBM-PC/MS DOS compatible computers, and numerical methods have been used to give numerically stable solutions with reasonable computational speed over a broad range of maneuvering situations.