Calculation of turning parameters of fourwheel-drive vehicles and their effect on operational safety

Abstract

This paper investigates the stability of a two-axle
vehicle during non-uniform dynamic cornering,
focusing on skid and rollover phenomena.
Mathematical models have been developed to
determine the lateral and normal reactions on the
vehicle axles, as well as the critical speeds for
skid and rollover. The results show that skid
usually occurs at the rear axle first, and if not
controlled, may lead to rollover. The critical
rollover speed increases with greater track width,
lower center of gravity height, larger road
banking angle, and larger turning radius;
whereas the critical skid speed increases with a
higher tire-road friction coefficient and a larger
turning radius. These formulas can be applied to
predict the behavior of two-axle vehicles under
real road conditions and to calculate road
superelevation on curved sections, thereby
enhancing operational safety.