Vehicle Dynamics, Control and Design

This book revisits the main vehicle dynamics fundamentals, including tire and vehicle modelling, what actually is a full vehicle dynamics model, and further insights. It refreshes and strengthens the control theoretic background of the reader, and relates this to specific vehicle dynamics applications. Having in mind how to control a human-driven or autonomous vehicle, the readers will get a practical guide to the theory and applications of vehicle state-estimators. A chapter on vehicle instrumentation and testing covers key practical insights related vehicle sensor selection depending on the specific needs, how to install them and coordination with all the full vehicle sensory equipment. A further chapter is dedicated to an Appellian approach to vehicle handling dynamics, including rigid or elastic tires, in steady-state or transient conditions. The final part of the book deals with the importance of a driver-oriented approach in chassis design, including the analysis of the external demands on the chassis, and the investigation of the combination of vehicle's properties with a specific example of application.