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There have been many studies regarding the stability of vehicles following a sudden air loss event in a tire. Previous works have included literature reviews, full-scale vehicle testing, and computer modeling analyses. Some works have validated physics-based computer vehicle simulation models for passenger vehicles and other works have validated models for heavy commercial vehicles. This work describes a study wherein a validated vehicle dynamics computer model has been applied to extrapolate results to higher event speeds that are consistent with travel speeds on contemporary North American highways. This work applies previously validated vehicle dynamics models to study the stability of a five-axle commercial tractor-semitrailer vehicle following a sudden air loss event for a steer axle tire. Further, the work endeavors to understand the analytical tire model for tires that experience a sudden air loss.

This paper documents the vehicle response of a tractor-semitrailer following a sudden air loss (Blowout) in a steer axle tire while traveling at highway speeds. The study seeks to compare full-scale test data to predicted response from detailed heavy truck computer vehicle dynamics simulation models. Full-scale testing of a tractor-semitrailer experiencing a sudden failure of a steer axle tire was conducted. Vehicle handling parameters were recorded by on-board computers leading up to and immediately following the sudden air loss. Inertial parameters (roll, yaw, pitch, and accelerations) were measured and recorded for the tractor and semitrailer, along with lateral and longitudinal speeds. Steering wheel angle was also recorded. These data are presented and also compared to the results of computer simulation models. The first simulation model, SImulation MOdel Non-linear (SIMON), is a vehicle dynamic simulation model within the Human Vehicle Environment (HVE) software environment.

This paper describes the mechanical design of a Suspension Parameter Identification Device and Evaluation Rig (SPIDER) for wheeled military vehicles. This is a facility used to measure quasi-static suspension and steering system properties as well as tire vertical static stiffness. The machine operates by holding the vehicle body nominally fixed while hydraulic cylinders move an “axle frame” in bounce or roll under each axle being tested. The axle frame holds wheel pads (representing the ground plane) for each wheel. Specific design considerations are presented on the wheel pads and the measurement system used to measure wheel center motion. The constraints on the axle frames are in the form of a simple mechanism that allows roll and bounce motion while constraining all other motions. An overview of the design is presented along with typical results.

This paper presents tire data from an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Data is collected on a Flat-Trac® machine where force and moment data were collected for three tires: one front tire and two rear tires. Tests were conducted at slip angles of +/-28 degrees, varying normal loads and inclinations angles. Additionally, tests were conducted at varying levels of inflation pressure. Key parametric data such as aligning moment, cornering and vertical stiffness levels are presented. One key finding from this study is that, in general, as inflation pressure increases cornering and aligning moment stiffness decreases. This effect is counter to typical passenger vehicle tires, where higher inflation pressure usually results in higher stiffness levels. Using results from the tire test data, understeer calculations are made for a vehicle under varying loading conditions.

Recent studies evaluating motorcycle lean angle have compared theoretical lean angle equations with real-world-tested motorcycle lean angles. These studies have considered several factors affecting lean angle, including the simplified assumptions made when calculating theoretical lean angles, the speed of the motorcycle around a curve, and the geometry of the roadway/curve. This study further evaluates motorcycle lean angle as a function of speed, but primarily focuses on the effects of different travel paths selected by the rider around the same constant radius curve. The testing incorporates nine passes around the same curve traveling three different paths at three different speeds. The real-world-tested lean angles were compared to the predicted calculated lean angles for each tested travel path and speed.

As part of their ongoing efforts to model and predict vehicle dynamics behavior, the US Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center procured a facility in two phases. The facility is called the Suspension Parameter Identification and Evaluation Rig (SPIdER) and has a capacity covering all of the military’s wheeled vehicles, with vehicle weights up to 100,000 lbs (45,400 kg), up to 150 inches wide, with any number of axles. The initial phase had the ability to measure bounce and roll kinematic and compliance properties. The SPIdER is the companion machine to the Vehicle Inertia Parameter Measuring Device (VIPER) which measures the inertia properties of vehicles of similar size. In 2015, the final phase of the SPIdER was completed. This phase includes ground plane wheel pad motion so that lateral, longitudinal, and aligning moment compliance and kinematic properties can be measured.

This paper presents the results of an in-depth study of the measurement of occupant kinematic response on the S-E-A Roll Simulator. This roll simulator was built to provide an accurate and repeatable test procedure for the evaluation of occupant protection and restraint systems during roll events within a variety of occupant compartments. In the present work this roll simulator was utilized for minimum-energy, or threshold type, rollover events of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs). Input profiles for these tests were obtained through a separate study involving autonomous full vehicle tests [1]. During simulated roll events anthropomorphic test device (ATD) responses were measured using on-board high speed video, an optical three-dimensional motion capture system (OCMS) and an array of string potentiometers.

A single-vehicle crash involving an SUV led to the study of the failure of the anti-sway bar linkage and tire pressure and their relative effects on the handling characteristics of the vehicle. The SUV, having been involved in a rollover, was found with the anti-sway bar drop link disconnected from the suspension lower A-arm assembly. Also, after the crash, the tire pressure in the front tires on the subject vehicle was measured to be above the value specified by the SUV manufacturer; however, the pressure for one of the rear tires was measured to be roughly half of the SUV manufacturer’s recommended pressure. The other rear tire was deflated. The testing described herein addresses the question of what effects the anti-sway bar drop link disconnection or reduced rear axle tire pressure would have on the SUV’s pre-accident handling and driveability.

An Electronic Stability Control algorithm has been developed for All-Terrain Vehicles. The algorithm is implemented on SEA’s Robotic Test Driver which has been customized to drive ATVs unmanned. The ESC algorithm is incorporated in the real-time controller. When activated, ESC monitors vehicle states and when they exceed pre-determined thresholds, ESC intervenes by dropping throttle and applying the vehicle’s brakes. The intention of this algorithm is to prevent yaw instability and ultimately limit the vehicle’s roll angle. ESC is implemented on two vehicles, which exhibit varying degrees of understeer. Test data is provided to illustrate the determination in setting threshold limits. The efficacy of the ESC is demonstrated by showing the system being enabled and disabled.

A machine has been developed to measure the center-of-gravity (CG) location of a seat. This machine uses a system of pivots, a yaw bearing and two sensors to get the X, Y and Z CG of the seat. Test object mass is measured separately on a scale. A stable pendulum arrangement is used to get the CG location. Governing equations for the machine are shown in the paper and a typical test procedure is discussed. An error analysis is discussed and shows the requisite accuracy of platform angle, geometric dimensions, seat weight and applied weight in order to achieve the desired 3 mm accuracy target. A full system statistical analysis demonstrates that all X and Y CG locations, when compared with theoretical values, are off by less than 1 mm and well within the 3 mm accuracy target. For Z CG, the errors were shown to be 3.3 mm or lower with 95 percent confidence.