General Introduction to a Programme of Dynamic Research

Abstract

This paper is a general introduction to a series of progress reports on an experimental and analytical investigation of the fixed-control directional characteristics of automobiles, and those mechanical properties of tyres used in the analysis of car stability and control. The programme under consideration utilizes aeronautical and control-theory techniques in deriving and substantiating equations of motion for the automobile. In addition, a six-component tyre-testing machine for static and dynamic tests on flat-road surfaces is described, and tyre data for a wide range of slip and camber angles are presented. In this initial paper an historical background of technological progress in automobile handling is given in a framework of vehicle handling in general, with particular reference to the science of aeroplane stability and control. This presentation enables a relative evaluation of automotive progress. The specific research objectives of the programme are then examined. A summary of dynamic concepts and methods is given in Appendix II. The paper also summarizes the results from the overall research programme, and concludes that the work has led to a better physical understanding of automobile behaviour, as well as to a mathematical model suitable for computing the fixed-control automobile motions. Significant comparisons are made between tyre data obtained in the programme and simple tyre theory.