Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and Control

Anyone who has experience with a car, bicycle, motorcycle, or train knows that the dynamic behavior of different types of vehicles and even different vehicles of the same class varies significantly. For example, stability (or instability) is one of the most intriguing and mysterious aspects of vehicle dynamics. Why do some motorcycles sometimes exhibit a wobble of the front wheel when ridden "no hands" or a dangerous weaving motion at high speed? Why does a trailer suddenly begin to oscillate over several traffic lanes just because its load distribution is different from the usual? Other questions also arise: How do humans control an inherently unstable vehicle such as a bicycle and how could a vehicle be designed or modified with an automatic control system to improve its dynamic properties?Using mainly linear vehicle dynamic models as well as discussion of nonlinear limiting effects, Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and Control, Second Edition answers these questions and more. It illustrates the application of techniques from kinematics, rigid body dynamics, system dynamics, automatic control, stability theory, and aerodynamics to the study of the dynamic behavior of a number of vehicle types. In addition, it presents specialized topics dealing specifically with vehicle dynamics such as the force generation by pneumatic tires, railway wheels, and wings.The idea that vehicles can exhibit dangerous behavior for no obvious reason is in itself fascinating. Particularly obvious in racing situations or in speed record attempts, dynamic problems are also ubiquitous in everyday life and are often the cause of serious accidents. Using relatively simple mathematical models, the book offers a satisfying introduction to the dynamics, stability, and control of vehicles.

As with Prof. Karnopp’s other books, a wide range of topics are presented in Vehicle Dynamics, Stability, and Control. If one enjoys Prof. Karnopp’s other textbooks, as I do, then this textbook is another wonderful adventure through a complicated and interesting technical subject.—Robert M. Sexton, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityI will consider adopting this book for my vehicle dynamics course. The modeling is a step above the book currently used and should improve the students’ understanding of the subject matter. The material on active control of vehicles is a good addition.—Jack E. Helms, Louisiana State UniversityThe material is written in a very direct way. Reading it goes on smoothly to the end without trouble. And when you have finished, you happily have understood a very complicated issue. … I do think Prof. Karnopp is one of the very best professors in Mechanical Engineering living today. The book can be recommended both to beginners and to experienced scientists or engineers. Beginners will take advantage from the very easy way the complicated topics are presented and made easy to grasp. Experienced scientists can get further insight into basic phenomena presented with unsurpassed inspiring style.—G. Mastinu, Politecnico di MilanoThe book includes a rich compilation of examples of the application of basic methods of stability analysis to vehicle dynamics behavior, both attractive to the lecturer and students. It brings two subjects — stability of motion and vehicle dynamics, which are often lectured separately — together and reveals the benefit of an integrative view. … The book offers a very attractive introduction to the analysis of stability of motion from a comprehensive vehicle dynamics point of view. Examples include automobiles, aircrafts, railway vehicles, vehicle dynamics control etc., which give engineering students an easy understanding of the application of mathematical methods to illustrative problems on the dynamic behaviour of vehicles. Basic models on the external force generation at tires, railway wheels, or wings are presented as well and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of vehicle dynamics.—Manfred Plöchl, Vienna University of TechnologyPraise for the First Edition:...a comprehensive analysis of the vibration characteristic parameter which defines stability. The author widely use[s] mathematical reasoning to establish the optimum ways to improve vehicle stability. ... The book is a valuable reference ... it is very useful for professors, researchers, and students interested in the vehicle stability field.—Prof. Dan Dascalescu, Ph.D.The monograph will be useful for students and engineers specializing in the related fields.—Zentralblatt MATH