Effects of Outrigger Design on Vehicle Dynamics

Outriggers are devices that arrest vehicle rollover during handling test maneuvers to protect the test vehicle and/or test driver. Validity of data in these tests has been questioned because the effect outriggers have on vehicle dynamics is not well understood. This research quantifies changes in handling characteristics with outriggers attached to a test vehicle. Three outrigger systems of different masses were developed and tested through various limit and sub-limit handling maneuvers. Analysis of the data generated during testing indicates improvements necessary for future outrigger designs leading to better understanding of vehicle dynamics and potentially reduced injuries from rollovers.