AntiRoll

Antiroll refers to systems and devices designed to counteract roll, the rotation of a vehicle or vessel around its longitudinal axis, which can occur during cornering, wave action, or turbulence. Antiroll measures may be passive, relying on geometry and weight distribution, or active, using sensors and actuators to generate opposing roll moments.

In automobiles, anti-roll is most commonly achieved with anti-roll bars, also known as sway bars. A torsion bar connects opposite wheels and resists differential motion between the left and right suspension, reducing body roll during turns. Modern systems may use variable-rate bars, adjustable dampers, or electronic control to tailor stiffness. Electronic stability control and related systems further reduce roll by selectively braking wheels or modulating engine torque in response to sensor data.

In marine applications, antiroll stabilization uses fin stabilizers or ballast-based systems. Fin stabilizers deploy vertical fins underwater that generate hydrodynamic lift to counteract roll, improving comfort and safety at sea. Ballast or movable tanks shift weight within the hull to oppose rolling motion. Modern yachts and passenger ships often employ computer-controlled fins or active ballast to maintain a steady roll angle across a range of speeds and sea states.

In aviation, roll stabilization is achieved primarily through control surfaces like ailerons, with modern aircraft augmented by stability augmentation systems or fly-by-wire controls that dampen roll motions. While not typically labeled as “antiroll,” these mechanisms perform comparable roll-control and stabilization functions to maintain steady flight.

Overall, antiroll technologies aim to improve handling, passenger comfort, and safety by limiting unwanted rotational motion across different platforms.