A new methology for predicting the rollover limit of buses. (12th May 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Diaz, V.; Fernandez, M.G.; Roman, J.L.S.; Ramirez, M.; , A.Garcia
• Is Part Of: International journal of vehicle design. Volume 34:Number 4(2004)
• Page Start: 340
• Page End: 353
• Publication Date: 2004-05-12
• Subjects: bus -- rollover limit -- safety -- lateral stability; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; 629.231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-3369

Abstract

The safety of a motor vehicle driving on a curve depends on many design parameters related to the vehicle, driving conditions and roadway geometry. All of them are represented in one parameter: the rollover limit that a vehicle can reach without rolling. In this paper a new methodology for predicting the rollover limit of buses is presented. This method is based on a theoretical model and dynamics test. The equations of the model represent the vehicle dynamical behaviour when the bus is being driven on a curve. The rollover limit is calculated after some dynamic tests. The results of the tests allow to characterise the behaviour, for real conditions on a turn, of many parameters involved in the model. The dynamic tests on the road and the mathematical model predict a reliable rollover limit of a bus. The knowledge of this value will increase the safety of these vehicles.