Vehicle dynamics handling analysis has been performed on a personal computer through incorporation of a closed form solution of the differential equations of motion. When compared to numerical integration procedures, this method affords the advantages of speed and stability knowledge provided by the characteristic roots of these equations.
The constrained boundary value solution assumed piecewise continuous, quasi-dynamic intervals of interest. Tire property derivatives followed previous methods developed by Pacejka. Aerodynamic lift, drag, and center of pressure were described as coefficients of several variables. Engine and transmission characteristics were modeled also.
The method has been applied to an imaginary race car. Variables included camber, ride height, ride pitch, wing angle, Gurney Flap length, and gear ratios.