The present paper deals with evaluating the sensitivity of the yaw rate response of a single unit vehicle to sinusoidal steering input. The frequency response method and sensitivity analysis are applied. In order to discuss the influence of varying a baseline vehicle's operational and design parameters on its sensitivity to change itsdirectional behaviour, and to decide the most effective parameters to which the vehicle is highly sensitive to their variations, the sensitivity equations of a vehicle's yaw rate amplitude ratio and phase angle are derived for each vehicle parameter at different speeds, steering input frequency, and vehicle loading condition (loaded versus empty). The prime objective of this paper is to provide vehicle control systems designers, especially IVHS engineers, with important frequency-domain information for a clear understanding of the yaw rate sensitivity to the variation of a vehicle's basic parameters. Thefirst order standard and logarithmic sensitivity functions are derived in the frequency-domain and their applications are demonstrated for a three-axle straight truck. (A)
Samenvatting