Road Vehicle Dynamics Focus of New Book from SAE International

WARRENDALE, Pa., Sept. 10, 2008 - While a vehicle is controlled primarily by its driver, other factors, including physical laws and vehicle design, help determine the vehicle's behavior on the road. A new SAE International book examines these factors and how they impact road vehicle dynamics.

"Road Vehicle Dynamics" (R-366), co-authored by Rao V. Kukkipati, Jian Pang, Mohamed S. Qatu, Gang Sheng and Zuo Shuguang, provides a detailed overview of the dynamics of road vehicle systems.

  Following an introduction and general review of dynamics, topics include:
  -- analysis of dynamic systems;
  -- tire dynamics;
  -- ride dynamics;
  -- handling dynamics;
  -- braking;
  -- acceleration;
  -- total vehicle dynamics.

The authors emphasize safety throughout the book in response to the growing consumer interest in this area. Specific chapters are dedicated to vehicle rollover analysis and accident reconstruction.

This book is written for vehicle designers, developers and evaluators, as well as senior undergraduate students and graduate students.

The list-price of this 900-page, hardcover book is $99.95; SAE International members can purchase it for $79.96.

For more information, please visit http://www.sae.org/technical/books/R-366.

Dukkipati, the lead author of the book, is a professor and chair of mechanical engineering and the director of the graduate program at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. He is also a consultant in the field of accident reconstruction.