Transient responses of alternative vehicle configurations: A theoretical and experimental study on the effects of atypical moments of inertia

With the rise of efficient powertrain technologies, future vehicles may exhibit a large variance in mass distribution and inertial parameters. This paper asserts the importance of understanding the effects of atypical inertial properties on vehicle handling and driver experience. Atypically low moments of inertia result in changes to the driver's perception of the lateral acceleration, and the transient development of rear tire force. Both effects can be understood conceptually through an analysis of the center of rotation, and are illustrated experimentally in a comparison of data from two vehicles: a production vehicle with typical mass and inertia properties, and a by-wire electric research vehicle with significantly different properties. The information provided in this paper can be used in the future as a new design tool when considering vehicle mass properties.