Investigation of the dynamic characteristics of suspension parameters on a vehicle experiencing steering drift during braking

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation study into the characteristics of a vehicle experiencing steering drift under straight line braking. Simulation modelling has been performed using a multi-body dynamics analysis based on a model of an actual vehicle. Front and rear suspension parameters have been modelled as rigid links joined with flexible bushes so as to assess their effect on a vehicle while braking. Suspension geometry and alignment settings, which define characteristic responses such as lateral acceleration, yaw velocity, toe, and caster angles of a vehicle in a transient manoeuvre, are primary to a vehicle's directional stability. Any symmetric inconsistencies in these settings will potentially affect a vehicle's performance. The findings from this research have increased the understanding of the causes of steering drift during braking conditions.