Lateral Response of a Formula SAE Race Car

A computer program which simulates a Formula SAE race car during transient cornering was developed as a design tool. The program incorporates a non-linear tire model based on empirical tire testing. This allows simulation of vehicle performance at the limits of tire adhesion. The simulation was validated using competition results and an instrumented four wheel steer (4WS) Formula SAE car.

The simulation was used to investigate the dynamic characteristics of two mechanical 4WS systems during severe cornering. Each system was found to improve performance under different conditions. Lateral response was found to be independent of body roll for the vehicle studied.