METHOD OF MEASURING A PROPENSITY OF A VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER

摘要

A method of replicating a real-world vehicle rollover (figure 15) of a vehicle having wheels (20) utilizing a vehicle testing apparatus having a support (14). The method includes positioning the vehicle on the support (14). Static properties of the vehicle are then determined. An initial set of forces and moments to be applied to the support (14) are determined based upon at least the static properties. The support (14) is actuated based upon the initial set of forces and moments to replicate the vehicle rollover. An actual response of the vehicle to the initial actuating of the vehicle testing apparatus is measured to determine dynamic properties of the vehicle (32). So long as all of the wheels (16) remained on the support (14) during the actuating of the vehicle testing apparatus, sets of forces and moments are continuously determined. The vehicle testing apparatus can be repeatedly actuated based upon the sets of forces and moments to further replicate the vehicle rollover.