Abstract
Among single-vehicle accidents, rollover has been shown to be the most serious and costly. Recent developments in analyzing vehicle dynamics and design improvements in suspension system have helped motor vehicle companies make vehicles with more rollover stability, thereby reducing rollover incidences. However, there is room for more improvements. Physically simulating rollover accidents has been very costly for the car companies. As a cost-effective alternative, computer simulations using accurate mathematical models of vehicles have gained great importance in recent years in predicting vehicle rollover accidents. This thesis uses modern technology such as three-dimensional vehicle modeling to analyze dynamics of vehicles and suspension systems. 3-D computer solid models of 2018 Audi Q3 and 2017 Ford Mustang GT are developed and assembled in SolidWorks, then imported to Adams View for further dynamics analysis. Also, two more complex vehicles in Adams/Car included engine and suspension, will be used for further analysis. In addition, RC Crew Chief was used to analyze suspension properties to optimize vehicle stability. The main objective is to provide new data on Static Stability Factor (SSF) for different vehicles and its effect on lateral acceleration on ramp rollover accidents. The second objective is to analyze the effects of suspension properties on vehicle roll stability. The results of this show that the vehicle’s center of gravity and its track width have the most impact on vehicle roll stability and lateral acceleration. Also, it was found that suspension properties such as suspension geometry, shock, and dampers affect vehicle dynamics and roll stability. Additionally, the results will provide a theoretical source for future studies of vehicle safety.