ABSTRACT
This chapter presents objective and subjective evaluation methods to quantify transient vehicle dynamics performance. It describes subjective methods for evaluation of transient handling and provides a newly-developed transient handling objective test. The chapter explains transient handling into several traits. It examines the limitations of established objective transient tests and illustrates the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) method used to develop a steering robot driven transient (RDT) handling test. General Motors subjective evaluations of transient handling can be grouped into four categories: agility, stability, precision, and initial roll support. The chapter provides example RDT data from road and simulation tests to show how the specifications of chassis parameters can affect transient handling characteristics. Subjective assessment of hardware by experienced professionals is the primary method of vehicle development for transient handling characteristics. Transient agility is the ability of the vehicle to change heading angle quickly in response to steering input.
