Stability of Vehicles

Stability of Vehicles 

the ability of vehicles to oppose external forces that cause them to deviate from a specified direction of motion or position of equilibrium (roll, trim, pitch, etc.) and to return to the original mode of motion or position of equilibrium after such forces cease to act.

The stability of a wheeled or caterpillar-tread vehicle is a function of the wheelbase, the front and rear tread, the location of the center of gravity, the adhesion of the wheels or tires to the road or other surface, the profile and condition of the road or surface, and other parameters. Aircraft stability is provided by the empennage of an airplane or helicopter, the wing ailerons, and the blades of helicopter rotors. The stability of ships depends on the shape of the hull, the displacement, and the position of the metacenter.