Experimental Car and Trailer Axle Cornering Characteristics at Low Friction Conditions

To determine the axle cornering characteristics of a car and trailer combination from measurements of the vehicle motion.

Axle force generation is derived from the equations of motion of a non-dimensional mathematical model, based on the “Bicycle model” using one “averaged tire” at each axle, with the effects of steering and suspension design included in the axle cornering characteristics.

This facilitates analysis of the dynamics of the combination, including individual axle cornering characteristics and hence, characteristic velocity. The empirical “magic tire formula” was applied to the calculated axle characteristics.

Experimental results of manoeuvring on lake ice are confirmed by simulation and linear analysis.