NONLINEAR-ANALYSIS OF STABILITY FOR MOTORCYCLE-RIDER SYSTEMS

Abstract

In this study, linear and nonlinear analyses of motorcycle-rider motion are carried out to investigate the stability of the motorcycle-rider integrated system. Equations of motion are derived using Lagrange's equation. Transfer functions that account for the rider's perception and action are taken into account. In the linear analysis, its dynamic behaviour is characterized by eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The effects of design parameter changes on capsize. weave and wobble modes are examined, and the design implication is discussed. The nonlinear analysis for system stability is conducted by means of the centre manifold theory and bifurcation theory. Stability boundaries in a parameter space and the corresponding bifurcation diagrams are obtained for in-depth understanding of the system stability. Moreover, comparison of results with and without rider's control shows the significant effect of the rider on the stability performance of the entire system.