Determination of Lateral Axle Data of Heavy Vehicle Combinations

Steady state non-linear cornering properties, giving the lateral slip to force characteristics of individual axles as result are determined from experimental data. The handling diagram of the vehicle combination facilitates an examination of any unstable steady state yaw response. The method offers a viable alternative to the traditional constant radius test.

Axle data is derived using the bicycle model via measurements taken during handling manoeuvring while the magic tire formula is used for adaptation of measured axle data into mathematical representation.

The results of axle data evaluation, using a semi-trailer combination, manoeuvring over high friction surface conditions are presented.