Driver-vehicle-roadway interaction model

A non-trivial simulation model has been developed which combines driver and vehicle dynamics with the roadway into one system. The model was successfully simulated on a portion of an existing roadway with the dynamic response and performance of the simulator being subjectively realistic. By implementing the idea of the interaction of variables, a much more detailed and representative response is obtained as compared to previous models based solely upon a single-factor-effect approach. By analyzing a simulated vehicle\u27s velocity and trajectory, it is felt that an increase in driver look ahead distance or a decrease in vehicle velocity tends to improve simulation responses if a driver is understeering excessively; whereas, a decrease in driver look ahead distance corrects excessive driver oversteering. Moreover, the simulation responses seem to indicate that a driver\u27s look ahead distance is possibly a function of road curvature and/or vehicle speed. As a result of this research, it is possible to conveniently test more complex driver-vehicle models. Also, this research allows an analyst to vary driver, vehicle, or roadway characteristics and measure the effects in terms of vehicle velocity and trajectory --Abstract, page ii