ABSTRACT
In Chapters 5, 6, and 8, a number of interesting dynamic models and stability problems associated with vehicles using pneumatic tires will be analyzed. Since the force-generating capability of pneumatic tires is a somewhat specialized topic, it will be discussed briefly in this chapter. As is the case in many specialized fields, there are certain traditional descriptive terms and concepts that are not always easy for a newcomer to the field to understand. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide background information about the properties of pneumatic tires for use in the construction of the vehicle mathematical models to be developed in later chapters.
