Tire and Vehicle Dynamics, 2nd edition

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 642 pages
• Published by: SAE International December 23, 2005
• ISBN 10 Number: 0768017025
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0768017021
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Weighs: 1.4 pounds

Product Description
Tire and Vehicle Dynamics provides a complete reference on the mechanical behavior of pneumatic tires and their impact on vehicle performance. The comprehensive scope of the book includes developing an understanding of mathematical models of tire behavior, the incorporation of these models into vehicle models, and presenting an applied understanding of how the tire influences vehicle behavior. The book is supported by practical experimental observations and exercises. Pacejka's tire model is the subject of continued development, particularly in extending its validity range to modeling higher frequencies and short wavelength obstacles and testing, which are covered in new chapters in this second edition.

Reader Reviews
Note: this review is based upon the first edition. Tire force and moment values are necessary to the proper computation of full-vehicle dynamic behavior using dynamic simulation programs. To obtain these in a computationally efficient manner, a range of numerical algorithms are now commonly used. The theory and implementation of such specialized algorthims are the primary thrust of the author. To accomplish this, the book provides a moderately-detailed presentation of tire mechanics and of the influence tire forces play upon vehicle-handling, ride quality, and durability - with emphasis on the first category (there is special chapter devoted to motorcycle dynamics as well). The book begins with a chapter that defines the basic functional dependencies of tire forces an moments upon various input parameters like slip, camber, normal load, friction coefficient, etc. Classical vehicle stability analysis is then discussed in the context of major tire characteristics, such as cornering-force coefficients. From here the book embarks on a more detailed discussion of the theory behind tire force generation, and its nomenclature, with a view toward modeling the input-output relationships mentioned above. Several different computational models are then discussed, the simplest of which is a "brush" type model. While not intended to be quantitatively accurate, this model is nevertheless very useful to the reader as an instructive tool that illustrates how tire forces and moments are generated from tire deformations and tire-road kinematics. In this manner, the heuristic effects of normal load, camber, lateral slip and longitudinal slip are all presented. Output data is used to generate the so-called "friction ellipse" and other useful curves that are routinely found through experiment using a treadmill machine, or the like. Subsequently, the author moves on to more complex models capable of generating tire forces and moments with greater fidelity. In some cases, these models utilize experimentally determined tire force data, and therein effectively act as specialized data-fitting algorthims. In others, models attempt to predict tires forces based upon physical approximations, and are therefore more self-contained. Some models handle transient conditions and some are oriented toward vertical road perturbations and impact. Notably, finite-element approaches are not discussed in any detail. Although such methods are undoubtedly among the most accurate, there is good reason for omitting them. The significant computer time they require prohibits their direct use in conjunction with vehicle simulation programs. For those it seeks to address (i.e. automotive chassis and suspension engineers, and vehicle dynamic analysts), the book is an essential, if not also well-known resource. It is packed with relevant information and insight that is difficult to find in any other single place. Unfortunately though, readers will probably find the book to be unnecessarily cumbersome. Descriptions and explanations are often confusing and difficult to follow because of the awkward writing, nomenclature, and content organization. Despite these frustrating shortcomings, the book is almost certainly the most authoritative resource one can find on the subject. With this in mind, it may be worth the extra effort it requires of the reader.