THE EFFECTS OF OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS ON VEHICLE DIRECTIONAL RESPONSES (PARAMETERS, CONTROL)

This study deals with a computer simulation study of the effects of operational parameters, such as load, load distribution, height of center of gravity, speed, tire pressure, tire construction, tire wear, tire coefficient of friction, tire blow out, and wet road conditions, on vehicle directional response. New response terms, called "vehicle response index" and "vehicle control index" are introduced in order to study the possibility of loss of control either due to too-small vehicle responses (too-large vehicle responses) or due to confusing vehicle responses.; A 12 degree of freedom vehicle model is modified and simplified for approximate solution on the basis of a quasi-dynamic method of calculation with an appropriate time increment. The effects of operational parameters on the directional response of a vehicle, after passing another vehicle and then turning to avoid collision with an oncoming vehicle, are the major considerations of this study.; The results of this study show the effect of each operational parameter on the distance needed by the passing vehicle to avoid collision with an oncoming vehicle and on the characteristics of vehicle response including the possibility of vehicle loss of control.; The significance of operational parameters on safe passing distance and response index is investigated by means of regression analysis. The results will show a broad comparison of the effects of operational parameters.