Vehicle dynamics
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• Professor J. R. Ellis, of the Advanced School of Automobile Engineering. Cranfield, demonstrates in his book Vehicle Dynamics how vehicle-handling phenomena can now be analysed mathematically with the help, in some cases, of simple laboratory models and how analog and digital computing aids can be used to simulate handling and suspension problems. The book is published by Business Books Ltd., Mercury House, Waterloo Road, London SE1 at £6 15s. It includes chapters on the pneumatic tyre, applied mechanics, the control and stability of a simple car. the articulated semi-trailer vehicle, qsuspension mechanics, the control and stability of a car with freedom to roll and analog simulation.
In his summary, Prof. Ellis points out that tyre performance is the most important item of vehicle handling and that handling is strictly conditioned by weight distribution. He also emphasizes that vehicle handling • analysis is in a comparatively early stage of development.
While the book could only appeal to vehicle designers and advanced students, it should be a valuable aid to those engaged in producing vehicles that can be handled with precision at high speeds despite variations of loading. Currently this may be regarded as a top-priority target. P.A.C.B.