THE EFFECTS OF TYRE PARAMETERS ON THE STABILITY AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF A MOTOR-CYCLE

Abstract

The dynamic characteristics of single track vehicles depend on the various vehicle and tyre parameters. Also. the behaviour of the rider during cornering or in straight running affects the stability of single track vehicle to a notable extent. In this work, much concentration has been accorded towards the study of effect of tyre parameters rather than vehicle parameters. The twenty eighth order mathematical model described by Sharp, has been considered in this study. The model allows three frame flexibilities and freedom of rider upper body lean. Effect of acceleration (or deceleration)has been included in the equations of motion. The tyre model, along with the slip angle and camber angle, also includes forces due to turn slip. To solve the equations of motion and to predict damping and frequencies of various modes, a computer programme has been developed. With the help of the above mathematical model, stability and handling characteristics of TVS-SUZUKI AX-100 motor-cycle has been examined, also effects of tyre parameters, lateral frame flexibility at the steering head, acceleration (or deceleration) etc. have been studied. For this purpose some of the vehicle and tyre parameters have been measured in labora-tory, while other parameters have been taken from the previous works or have been suitably assumed.