STATIC AND DYNAMIC OVERTURN BOUNDARIES OF TRACTOR-TRAILERS

STATISCHE UND DYNAMISCHE KIPPGRENZEN VON SATTELKRAFTFAHRZEUGEN

The roll and overturn behavior of tractor-trailers were investigated via computer simulation using a comprehensive three-dimensional vehicle model. The following maneuvers were studied: entrance into a transitional curve and continuation on a higher or lower level on a circular course, and change of test course via a side ramp onto a higher or lower road. When negotiating a curve at 90% of the theoretically attainable speed within the static overturn boundary value, rollover may occur within 0.5 seconds. When changing lanes at excessive speed, loss of directional control will occur before overturn, the driver's steering behavior having the greatest influence. With conditions such as uneven lanes in construction zones and steep banks, critical velocities can decrease by up to 30%. A progressive torsion suspension results in an improved maximum tolerable transverse acceleration (i.e. overturn immunity); shock absorber setting has little influence.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Reference copy only available at NHTSA. Translated from German (original 6p; translation 16p).
• Corporate Authors:

  Franckhlsche Verlagshandlung

  Pfizerstrasse 5, Postfach 640
  7000 Stuttgart 1,   Germany 
• Authors:
  • Schonfeld, K H
• Publication Date: 1980

Language

• German

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 22 p.
• Serial:
  • ATZ-Automobiltechnische Zeitschrift
  • Volume: 82
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Franckhlsche Verlagshandlung

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Curves (Geometry); Drivers; Dynamic loads; Lane changing; Motor vehicles; Overturning; Rollover crashes; Shock absorbers; Simulation; Speed; Statics; Tractor trailer combinations; Traffic speed; Vehicle performance
• Subject Areas: Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00379093
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 151
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 30 1983 12:00AM