"James H. Nazarian, Ph.D." wrote:
>
> If you look at the films of Corvair roll over tests with an open mind, you
>will
> see that nearly any car would flip under those same conditions.
Usually, most vehicles will break traction and slide along before they will
roll
on level pavement. The exceptions are high vehicles, as in 18 wheelers, or any
other
vehicle w/ a high center of gravity like some sport utes and other stuff that is
loaded high. The early passenger vehicles (30's. 40's, and early 50's) fall
into
this category, as well.
The big reason that most roll is that they are "tripped" by something as
they
slide along sideways. They can trip on big stuff like curbs, drop-offs, and
some
surface irregularities. Ever notice the swirling round and round skid marks on
interstates? (Ever wonder how they lose control on a straight and level
stretch of
road?)
Gravity makes the vehicle slide toward the side of the road as the center
has a
high crown and when they leave the roadway something can trip them and over
they go.
Darn hard to roll the average vehicle on the straight and level. I never
rolled a
Corvair but I always thought felt that the stock ones were evil handling little
machines but that is simply my opinion.
--
Larry Dickstein
Lone Jack, MO
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