EVALUATION OF INNOVATIVE CONVERTER DOLLIES: VOLUME I - FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT

An extensive study of the dynamic performance of multitrailer vehicles, and the influence of double-drawbar dollies (C-dollies) on that performance is reported. Six vehicle configurations (five double-trailer combinations and one triple) are considered. The performance of the six vehicles is examined using a matrix of seven different converter dollies (an A-dolly and 6 C-dollies) and 15 different vehicle parametric variations (e.g., center-of-gravity, height, tire-cornering stiffness, roll stiffness, etc.). The performance quality of the vehicles is judged using measures such as rearward amplification, yaw-damping ratio, static rollover stability, offtracking, and dynamic-load-transfer ratio. The results from over 2800 computer simulation runs are used in a statistical regression analysis to produce simple methods for predicting performance numerics for A-trains based on vehicle parameters easily obtained in the field. Performance improvement factors for C-dollies are also developed. Recommendations for minimum performance standards and for C-dolly specifications are also reported. An economic analysis comparing A-dollies and C-dollies is presented. This analysis is based on data from a field survey and the literature and includes purchase, start-up, operational, and accident cost considerations. The report also includes the ancillary performance issue of backing ability. This volume, Volume I, is the Final Technical Report. Extensive appendices are included in Volume II. Volume III is a Technical Summary.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

  2901 Baxter Road
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109-2150

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Winkler, C B
  • Bogard, S E
  • Ervin, R D
  • Horsman, A
  • Blower, D
  • Mink, C
  • Karamihas, S
• Publication Date: 1993-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 111 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Automated vehicle control; Backing (Driving); Dollies; Driving; Economic analysis; Forecasting; Maneuvering; Motor vehicles; Performance; Quality of work; Regression analysis; Simulation; Specifications; Stability (Mechanics); Tractor trailer combinations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Performance prediction
• Old TRIS Terms: A-dollies; C-dollies; Converter dollies; Multitrailer vehicles
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Economics; Highways; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00716837
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTRI-93-47-1, HS-041 398
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-89-C-00081
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 20 1996 12:00AM