Analysis and simulation of nonlinear handling characteristics of automotive vehicles with focus on lateral load transfer

Abstract

This paper mainly investigates steady-state nonlinear cornering behaviour of vehicles under lateral load transfer. A normal load dependent nonlinear cornering stiffness is utilised instead of the constant one to reflect the effect of normal load fluctuations. Thus, the relationship between the nonlinear cornering stiffness, tyre property coefficients, roll stiffness ratio and lateral load transfer has been formulated. A clear and simple criterion has been proposed to demonstrate how the handling behaviour is changed in the high lateral acceleration region. This criterion indicates that the nonlinear handling behaviour is dependent on the car's roll stiffness ratio, static margin, tyre cornering stiffness and tyre property coefficients. It may be considered as one of many advantageous criteria in motor vehicle design.