ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: This paper aims to reveal the suitable design parameter for a light weight vehicle to achieve the robust handling performance against the weight variation. Running simulations were conducted to evaluate the effect of the weight variation on the handling performance. The transient region was focused in the results of the simulations. A 3-DOF vehicle model was used with which the rolling motion of a vehicle body during cornering can be considered. The model was employed to verify the relationship between the handling performance, the design parameters, and the weight variation of the vehicle. The effect of the weight variation on the handling performance of the vehicle were evaluated with J-turn simulation and double lane change simulation.
