Sensitivity of vehicle handling to combined slip tyre characteristics

The sensitivity of vehicle handling to combined slip tyre characteristics is investigated using two simulation models with different interaction between lateral and longitudinal tyre forces. The standard method for the braking in a turn test is simulated with both models, and differences in the outcome are related to tyre characteristics. The results indicate that an accurate description of the so-called combined slip (i.e. brake slip with side slip) situation in the contact region of the tyre is important. Furthermore, the suspension configuration of a vehicle determines to a large extent the outcome of the braking in a turn test. Accurate modelling of the suspension is necessary to obtain a good description of braking in a turn by simulation. Scaling factors of the tyre model (MF-Tyre) are used for easy modification of tyre characteristics. However, modification of tyre characteristics must be done with care and graphical feedback of resulting tyre characteristics is proven to be important.