> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://2025.istvs.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://2025.istvs.org/submissions/papers/0270.md). # 0270 - PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE ACROSS DIFFERENT TERRAINS {% hint style="info" %} Paper presented at ISTVS 2025 | 55th Conference of the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems {% endhint %} **Authors:** *Luca Zerbato, Carl M. Becker, Andries J. Peenze, Enrico Galvagno, P. Schalk Els* **Keywords:** Off-road performance; Experimental testing; Tyre-terrain interaction **Abstract:** The prediction of vehicle performance during off-road missions has historically been a complex task due to the interaction between tyres and soft soil. A comprehensive characterisation of vehicle performance across different terrains is essential for a full understanding of tractive and handling behaviour. Moreover, it is crucial to discuss the tools and methods needed to extract relevant information from off-road testing, as standardisation in this area is lacking compared to on-road testing. This paper focuses on characterising vehicle performance using experimental data collected during an off-road testing campaign conducted across various terrains, including Kalahari Desert sand and gravel pavements. For longitudinal dynamics, coast-down, acceleration, braking, and Drawbar Pull tests are performed to assess rolling resistance, traction, and braking capabilities under off-road conditions. For lateral dynamics, constant-radius tests are conducted on gravel terrain to evaluate cornering behaviour. The synthesis of test analysis results serves as the foundation for developing simplified lumped-parameter handling models and estimating contact parameters for tyre–terrain interaction models. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://2025.istvs.org/submissions/papers/0270.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.