ISO 15037-2:2002

Overview

ISO 15037-2:2002 - Road vehicles: Vehicle dynamics test methods - Part 2 specifies the general conditions for vehicle dynamics testing of heavy vehicles and buses. It defines the scope, variables, measuring equipment, data processing, test environment, vehicle preparation and reporting requirements that apply when performing ISO vehicle dynamics test methods on trucks, combinations, buses and articulated buses (vehicle categories M3, N2, N3, O3 and O4 as per ISO 3833 and UNECE/EC classification).

This part ensures consistency and repeatability so that vehicle dynamic properties are recorded under controlled, comparable conditions. It also notes measured results are only valid for the specific vehicle tested - test conditions must be virtually identical for meaningful comparison.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Applies to heavy commercial vehicles and buses; uses terminology from ISO 8855 and ISO 3833.
• Measured variables: Lateral acceleration, roll angle, sideslip angle, articulation angle, wheel load, yaw velocity, longitudinal velocity and acceleration, steering wheel angle/torque, offtracking and related motion variables.
• Measuring equipment: Multi-channel recording with appropriate transducers; typical operating ranges and maximum permissible errors are specified.
• Data acquisition & processing:
  • Frequency band for horizontal dynamics typically 0–2 Hz (up to 3 Hz for lighter trucks).
  • Analog systems: combined transducer/recorder bandwidth ≥ 8 Hz; low-pass filters of order 4+ and passband flatness across the relevant range.
  • Digital systems: anti-alias filtering before sampling; minimize phase shifts/time delays; recommended sampling rate ≥ 30 × f_max; minimum data acquisition resolution 12 bits.
• Test conditions: Guidance on test track, wind velocity, vehicle tuning and loading, initial driving and reporting.
• Reporting: Annexes provide templates for general data and test condition reporting to ensure repeatability.

Applications

• Vehicle dynamics testing, development and validation for heavy trucks, trailers, buses and articulated vehicles.
• Safety engineering and active safety system calibration (stability control, steering systems).
• Type testing, homologation support and laboratory/track benchmarking.
• Research & development in handling, offtracking and rearward amplification studies.

Who uses this standard

• Automotive OEMs (commercial vehicle and bus manufacturers)
• Test laboratories and proving grounds
• Vehicle dynamics engineers, safety specialists and regulators
• Research institutions studying heavy vehicle handling and road-holding

Related standards

• ISO 15037-1 (passenger cars)
• ISO 8855 (vehicle dynamics vocabulary)
• ISO 3833 (vehicle classification)
• UNECE Regulation No.13 (braking) and No.30 (tyres)

Keywords: ISO 15037-2:2002, vehicle dynamics, heavy vehicles testing, buses, measuring equipment, data acquisition, vehicle handling, test methods.