Vehicle Dynamics and Handling Feel: From Driver Perception to Beyond Center-of-Gravity Dynamics and Design Formulas

In this book, Sakai provides a comprehensive vehicle dynamics theory that enables engineers to apply drivers’ subjective evaluations of car handling to corresponding vehicle motion equations to develop and ensure engaging and dependable handling characteristics. In the automobile market, vehicle dynamics is a leading parameter by which a car is judged and rated in comparison to competing models.Magazine test-drive reviews describe vehicle dynamics using terms such as “two-phase yaw motion,” “the pendulum effect of the rear-end,” “feedback,” and “vertical body control” and refer to the level of grip and handling engagement.Similarly, test drivers provide feedback on car handling using similar terminology.It is therefore necessary for car designers to translate this feedback into quantifiable parameters using appropriate equations.As this feedback usually relates to ten phenomena, this book provides the relevant formulas for these.They include: 1) yaw gain, 2) two-stage motion (delayed t