A Study of the Aerodynamic Effects and Stability Characteristics of Buses. Volume I:Summary Report.

摘要

A digital computer simulation was used to predict and compare the stability characteristics of the standard and wide intercity buses. A hybrid computer simulation was used to predict the effects on vehicle stability,control and path deviation caused by aerodynamic disturbances generated when the standard or wide buses and trucks pass small or intermediate size passenger cars and cars towing a recreational trailer. Simulation results indicate that in general the wide bus provides better stability performance than that of the standard bus. Study results also indicate that cross-winds have a more prononced effect on vehicle path deviation than perturbation due to bus width. There are no appreciable differences in vehicle path deviations during encounters between the passenger vehicles studied and the standard or wide buses or trucks in the absence of cross-wind. In the case where the buses or trucks pass the small or intermediate cars in the presence of cross-winds the tendency is to draw the vehicles toward the side of the passing vehicle,whereas in the case of an intermediate car towing a travel trailer the passing vehicles cause the combination vehicle to move away from the passing vehicles toward the right edge of the lane. A qualitative assessment of the simulation results was made and is presented and discussed. (Author Modified Abstract)