Abstract:
This research aims to investigate the nature of high β-angle cornering as
seen in rallying and in particular the World Rally Championship. This is
achieved through a combination of sensor development, on-car measurement
and vehicle dynamic simulation.
Through the development of novel β-angle measurement technology it has
become possible to measure and study vehicle attitude dynamics on loose
gravel surfaces. Using this sensor, an understanding of how a rally driver
uses the dynamics of the vehicle and surface to maximise performance has
been obtained.
By combining the new data stream with accepted vehicle dynamic theory,
the tyres have been considered and general trends in gravel tyre performance
unveiled. Through feedback, these trends have been implemented as a means
of tuning a dynamic model to improve realism and permit an analysis of
cornering trends in rally cars.
Active control systems have been considered that could implement more
sophisticated algorithms based on this understanding and potentially use the
new sensor information as an input signal. A case study which explores such
a possibility is included.
