Road Vehicle Dynamics supplies students and technicians working in industry with both the theoretical background of mechanical and automotive engineering, and the know-how needed to perform numerical simulations. Bringing together the foundations of the discipline and its recent developments in a single text, the book is structured in three parts: it begins with a historical overview of road vehicles; then deals with the forces exchanged between the vehicle and the road, and the vehicle and the air; and finally, deals with the dynamic behavior of the vehicle in normal driving conditions with some extensions towards conditions encountered in high-speed racing. Coverage of contemporary automatic controls is included in this edition.

In striving for optimal comfort and safety conditions in road vehicles, today’s electronically controlled components provide a range of new options. These are developed and tested using computer simulations in software in the loop or hardware in the loop environments—an advancement that requires the modern automotive engineer to be able to build basic simulation models, handle higher level models, and operate simulation tools effectively. Combining the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics with the basics of computer simulated modeling, Road Vehicle Dynamics: Fundamentals and Modeling Aspects draws on lecture notes from undergraduate and graduate courses given by the author, as well as industry seminars and symposiums, to provide practical insight on the subject. Requiring only a first course in dynamics and programming language as a prerequisite, this highly accessible book offers end-of-chapter exercises to reinforce concepts as well as programming examples and results using MATLAB®. The book uses SI-units throughout, and begins with an introduction and overview of units and quantities, terminology and definitions, multibody dynamics, and equations of motion. It then discusses the road, highlighting both deterministic and stochastic road models; tire handling including contact calculation, longitudinal and lateral forces, vertical axis torques, and measurement and modeling techniques; and drive train components and concepts such as transmission, clutch, and power source. Later chapters discuss suspension systems, including a dynamic model of rack-and-pinion steering as well as double-wishbone suspension systems; force elements such as springs, anti-roll bars, and hydro-mounts; and vehicle dynamics in vertical, longitudinal, and lateral directions using a simple model approach to examine the effects of nonlinear, dynamic, and active force elements. Highlighting useable knowledge, the book concludes with a three-dimensional vehicle model and typical results of standard driving maneuvers.

Road Vehicle Dynamics: Fundamentals and Modeling with MATLAB®, Second Edition combines coverage of vehicle dynamics concepts with MATLAB v9.4 programming routines and results, along with examples and numerous chapter exercises. Improved and updated, the revised text offers new coverage of active safety systems, rear wheel steering, race car suspension systems, airsprings, four-wheel drive, mechatronics, and other topics. Based on the lead author's extensive lectures, classes, and research activities, this unique text provides readers with insights into the computer-based modeling of automobiles and other ground vehicles. Instructor resources, including problem solutions, are available from the publisher.

The authors examine in detail the fundamentals and mathematical descriptions of the dynamics of automobiles. In this context, different levels of complexity are presented, starting with basic single-track models up to complex three-dimensional multi-body models. A particular focus is on the process of establishing mathematical models based on real cars and the validation of simulation results. The methods presented are explained in detail by means of selected application scenarios. In addition to some corrections, further application examples for standard driving maneuvers have been added for the present second edition. To take account of the increased use of driving simulators, both in research, and in industrial applications, a new section on the conception, implementation and application of driving simulators has been added.

The book starts with an historical overview of road vehicles. The first part deals with the forces exchanged between the vehicle and the road and the vehicle and the air with the aim of supplying the physical facts and the relevant mathematical models about the forces which dominate the dynamics of the vehicle.The second part deals with the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle in normal driving conditions with some extensions towards conditions encountered in high-speed racing driving.

This textbook is appropriate for senior undergraduate and first year graduate students in mechanical and automotive engineering. The contents in this book are presented at a theoretical-practical level. It explains vehicle dynamics concepts in detail, concentrating on their practical use. Related theorems and formal proofs are provided, as are real-life applications. Students, researchers and practicing engineers alike will appreciate the user-friendly presentation of a wealth of topics, most notably steering, handling, ride, and related components. This book also: Illustrates all key concepts with examples Includes exercises for each chapter Covers front, rear, and four wheel steering systems, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different steering schemes Includes an emphasis on design throughout the text, which provides a practical, hands-on approach