Abstract
In the present paper a full vehicle model of the Rural Transport Vehicle (RTV) is developed in MADYMO. The steering, tyre and suspension are modelled using standard modules available in the package. A speed controller was also designed using the package to maintain a constant speed of the RTV in simulations. Validation of the model was against experimental accelerations measured over bumps. The validated model is used to predict rollover characteristics using Slowly Increasing Steer (SIS), J-turn and Road Edge Recovery (RER) manoeuvres. These manoeuvres were conducted for three different loading conditions viz. RTV without passengers, RTV with unrestrained passengers and RTV with restrained passengers. (Author/publisher)