Zero-moment point determination of worst-case manoeuvres leading to vehicle wheel lift

Abstract

This paper proposes a method to evaluate vehicle rollover propensity based on a frequency-domain representation of the zero-moment point (ZMP). Unlike other rollover metrics such as the static stability factor, which is based on the steady-state behaviour, and the load transfer ratio, which requires the calculation of tyre forces, the ZMP is based on a simplified kinematic model of the vehicle and the analysis of the contact point of the vehicle relative to the edge of the support polygon. Previous work has validated the use of the ZMP experimentally in its ability to predict wheel lift in the time domain. This work explores the use of the ZMP in the frequency domain to allow a chassis designer to understand how operating conditions and vehicle parameters affect rollover propensity. The ZMP analysis is then extended to calculate worst-case sinusoidal manoeuvres that lead to untripped wheel lift, and the analysis is tested across several vehicle configurations and compared with that of the standard Toyota J manoeuvre.

Keywords:

• rollover
• overturning
• multi-body system methods
• kinematic mechanics
• zero-moment point

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute for the financial support. Sittikorn Lapapong cordially thanks the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Royal Thai Government, for the financial support.