Vehicle Dynamics : Basic Handling parameters

EXCEL DELIVERABLES:

Determine the following

1. Ackermann steer angles for 500 ft radius: 0.96 deg

Ackermann steer angles for 200 ft radius: 2.4 deg

Ackermann steer angles for 50 ft radius: 9.61 deg

2. Understeer gradient: 0.118 deg/g

3. Characteristic speed: 110 m/s

4. Lateral acceleration gain: 0.472 g/deg

5. Yaw velocity gain: 9.91 deg/sec

6. Slideslip angle at the CG: -1.11 deg

7. Why is the calculated understeer gradient quite low (usually it is around 3-4 deg/g) ?

The front weight bias doesn't counteract enough with respect to the low cornering stifness of the rear tyres compared to the front. So, the gradient is quite low.