EVALUATION OF INNOVATIVE CONVERTER DOLLIES: VOLUME II - APPENDICES A - H

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 II, contains Appendices A through H. Volume I is the Final Technical Report. 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: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 295 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: 00716838
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: UMTRI-93-47-2, HS-041 399
• Contract Numbers: DTFH61-89-C-00081
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 20 1996 12:00AM