Abstract: Based on the theory of the synergetic theory and nonlinear dynamics, the nonlinear model of vehicle-tire system and the one-rank Taylor expansion are analyzed, and the potential energy function of vehicle steering system is constructed. Through the analyse of potential energy function surface, the stable region of vehicle cornering system is a limit cycle expressed by the body slip angle and the yaw angular velocity, and the essential reasons of vehicle losing control is explained. Finally, the energy variation tendency of the potential energy function is validated by using the Lyapunov function. And the correctness and the validity of the potential energy function constructed are also proved.

Key words: Cornering stability, Nonlinear dynamics, Synergetic theory, Vehicle dynamics, Vehicle simulation