Effects of Free-Control Variables on Automobile Handling

Abstract

Compared with the fixed-control case, relatively few studies of the effects on handling quality of the nature of the free-control response of an automobile to steering torque inputs have been reported. Prior to reviewing these studies, an attempt is made in this paper to provide a conceptual framework for assessing the results, by drawing on analytical and experimental work concerned with manual control in closed-loop tracking systems. Application of these ideas to the automobile shows that a fixed-control driver strategy is required where precise path control is necessary. Less demanding situations would allow a free-control driving mode. Steering task performance is found to be relatively ..