Effect of Overspeeding on the Lateral Stability of a Bus Running on a Curve

Abstract

A bus running on straight roads, general curves, or sharp curves is subjected to vehicle dynamics simulation tests under different overspeeding degrees to study the effects of different overspeeding degrees on driving safety when a bus runs on a curve. TruckSim software is used in the simulation, and lateral offset and tire load transfer rate are selected as analysis indicators. The effects of different overspeeding degrees on lateral stability when the bus runs on curves are quantitatively analyzed. Simulation results indicate that (1) overspeeding degree is negatively correlated with the lateral stability of a bus running on a general curve or a sharp curve. (2) A high overspeeding degree corresponds to poor lateral stability and high likelihood of an accident. (3) Under the same overspeeding degree, a bus running on a general curve likely deviates from the curve path and causes accidents, such as running off roads and enter into adjacent or oncoming driveways. A bus running on a sharp curve easily experiences a rollover accident.