Vehicle Dynamics 2
Discussion
Modern cars are designed so that the front tyres have less influence(greater slip angle)on direction under most circumstances than the rear. This means that the car will understeer and so if we wish the car to turn more to the left while already turning left we need to steer more to the left. This is intuitive and safe. It also cuts down on litigation.
Many years ago however, before car makers knew about vehicle dynamics quite often cars would inherently oversteer. This meant that as soon as they steered in one direction the turn would naturally get tighter, requiring steering in the opposite direction to return to the desired course. Aha! you say, so that's why all drivers in older films are constantly sawing slightly at the steering wheel, because as soon as the car goes slightly one way it has to be corrected.(This was also true of many pre war race cars and why those drivers are constantly twitching the wheel. Even more respect due, it just wasnt possible for them to relax) This isn't necessary in a modern car but you may still see it in modern films as that is seen as the 'correct' way to drive. (If it's on TV it must be right! and the car will be on a trailer). These corrections are less intuitive and not so safe which is why cars aren't designed to handle like that any more.
These differences in influence of the front and rear tyres, or slip angles are not fixed but vary, a subject for my next post
Many years ago however, before car makers knew about vehicle dynamics quite often cars would inherently oversteer. This meant that as soon as they steered in one direction the turn would naturally get tighter, requiring steering in the opposite direction to return to the desired course. Aha! you say, so that's why all drivers in older films are constantly sawing slightly at the steering wheel, because as soon as the car goes slightly one way it has to be corrected.(This was also true of many pre war race cars and why those drivers are constantly twitching the wheel. Even more respect due, it just wasnt possible for them to relax) This isn't necessary in a modern car but you may still see it in modern films as that is seen as the 'correct' way to drive. (If it's on TV it must be right! and the car will be on a trailer). These corrections are less intuitive and not so safe which is why cars aren't designed to handle like that any more.
These differences in influence of the front and rear tyres, or slip angles are not fixed but vary, a subject for my next post
I agree there are many factors affecting and ways of decribing handling. I was just trying to explain things in the simple terms that I use to teach learner drivers or those with little technical knowledge. Sorry if I've confused anyone.
>> Edited by martin a on Wednesday 26th April 16:26
>> Edited by martin a on Wednesday 26th April 16:26
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