Handling qualities evaluation method based on actual driver characteristics

The present study proposes an objective handling qualities evaluation method using driver-in-the-loop analysis. The driving simulator experiments were performed for various driving conditions, drivers and vehicle dynamics. The response characteristics of the driver model and the closed-loop system were analyzed. The analysis revealed the driving strategies clearly, indicating the importance of closed-loop analysis. Using the identified driver model and its strategies, a cost function of the handling qualities was constructed. The cost function can be used to estimate the handling qualities analytically from the vehicle dynamics. The proposed method was validated by comparison with the handling qualities evaluation rated by the driver's comments.