Worst-Case Vehicle Evaluation Methodology – Examples on Truck Rollover/Jackknifing and Active Yaw Control Systems

A worst-case vehicle evaluation methodology is presented in this paper. This evaluation method identifies worst-case excitation signals so that the vehicle performance under extreme conditions can be assessed. Two case study examples are presented to illustrate the design procedure and potential benefits of this method: the rollover and jackknifing of an articulated truck, and the evaluation of an active yaw control system. In both cases, the worst-case method was able to produce unstable results at very modest steering/braking levels.