DYNAMIC STABILITY OF VEHICLE SYSTEMS VIA POINCARE MAPS

Computer simulations of a driven vehicle are performed to assess and q uantify the automobile stability. The analytical methodology is based on Poincare maps and Floquet theory, which are commonly used to invest igate the stability of periodic systems. The approach accommodates the study of the complex dynamics of vehicle locomotion under various con figurations of the system. The proposed method does not require any kn owledge regarding the inner structure of the vehicle model. Kinematic data is simply collected at the specific instants to conduct the analy sis. It is found that this method has the potential for real time warn ing and control of vehicle instabilities.