Measurement of Heavy Vehicle Suspension Roll-Stability Properties, and A Method to Evaluate Overall Stability Performance

The suspension properties influencing the roll stability of heavy-duty vehicles are identified, and the fundamental mechanics of how they influence rollover are discussed. Test procedures for measuring these suspension properties using a tilt-table device and a cable-actuator setup are also discussed. In addition, results of a sensitivity study using a static rollover computer model are provided which illustrate how changes in each suspension property influence vehicle rollover. Lastly, a method of combining the results of the sensitivity study to determine how the suspension properties together influence vehicle rollover is given. This method allows easy comparison of the overall roll-stability performance of different suspensions.