Simulation of Understeer Test

Understeer is the most desirable handling characteristic for a vehicle as it represents a stable condition in which as a vehicle slowly increases speed around a circular path of constant radius, the steering wheel angle increases, to pull more lateral G's the speed and steering angle must be both increased. This is a test normally done in the "linear region of operation". If a vehicle is RWD or is caused to skid in a transient maneuver, where the back end of the vehicle is broken free, this is an "induced oversteer" condition and may be possible even with an inherently Understeer vehicle.
With FWD the front tire forces normally saturate first and excessive power applied, especially in wet or slippery conditions may cause the vehicle to have even more pronounced Understeer effect and at the limit may tend to go straight on instead of turning. On cars LT's and SUV's equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) Understeer or Oversteer can be mitigated by ESP by applying brakes individually and /or cutting engine power. This is thought to be the greatest safety advance since the seat belt.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Understeer
• Oversteer
• Handling
• Vehicle
• Dynamics
• Ford
• Loss
• of
• Control
• Litigation
• ESC
• RSC