Analysis of sensitivity for chassis design parameters on X-wind stability

The X-wind sensitivity of a vehicle becomes more important from the perspective of driving safety, since the driving speed in highway is climbing these days. The sensitivity of a vehicle to X-wind depends on many factors, including the design of the suspension and aerodynamics of the body, among others. What is known about this phenomenon, however, remains limited and must be improved in order to develop a vehicle with optimum characteristics for X-wind stability. In this research, the physics behind the sensitivity of a vehicle is discussed in detail through various kinds of virtual tests using a computer aided engineering(CAE) simulation scheme for investigating the moving stability of a vehicle under strong X-wind based on numerical analyses and driving simulator experiments. A reliable simulation model for vehicle, driver, wind generator and interactions is built. This integrated simulation environment for X-wind stability is verified by correlating with test results of real vehicles such as K&C(SPMD), Flat-Trac®, Wind Tunnel and Proving Ground Test. Subsequently, the sensitivity analyses on the whole design parameters are carried out to find the most dominant design parameters. Finally, the response surfaces are generated from the results of sensitivity analysis on vehicle design parameters. These are useful for vehicle developers to have insights on X-wind stability. Furthermore, these are utilized in various disciplines of vehicle development such as chassis/tyre, body structure and aerodynamics.