The effect of the loading weight distribution on the stability of a tank vehicle
Lastauksen painotuksen vaikutus sailioajoneuvon stabiilisuuteen
The report describes a computer simulation made for the Ministry of Transport and Communications Finland with the objective of evaluating the effect of loading on the stability of an articulated vehicle in two different situations during operation. The simulation was made for three types of articulated vehicles by placing the load either mainly on the truck or the trailer part of the vehicle. The simulated articulated vehicles were 1) a trailer combination where the truck and the trailer have three axles (combination 3-3), 2) a trailer combination where the truck has three axles and the trailer has four axles (combination 3-4), and 3) an articulated semitrailer followed by an additional trailer; the truck, the semitrailer and the trailer all have three axles (combination 3-3-3). The simulation models cover two basic situations: double exchange of driving lane, where the driver manoeuvres around an obstacle in his own lane into the lane of the approaching traffic, and returns immediately to his own lane, and driving on the road shoulder, where the vehicle swerves onto the road shoulder, and the driver tries to manoeuvre back to the traffic lane. The speed was 80 km/h in the case of the double exchange of driving lane and 50 km/h in the case of swerving onto the road shoulder. The results of the calculations are presented as graphs at the end of the report. In addition, the client received computer animations of selected calculated cases. The response of the driver in extreme situations is largely influenced by his observations from the driver's seat. If the grip of the truck tyres is significantly better than that of the trailer tyres, the driver will get no response regarding the possible loss of trailer tyre grip, and the trailer may start to slide uncontrollably sideways. Based on the calculated results of this study, the distribution of load to the trailer part of an articulated vehicle with a separate trailer should be avoided. The sideway slides of the last unit of a long articulated vehicle will not easily be perceived by the driver during driving, and the driver will therefore not be able to feel and correct the possible starting slide of the main trailer. Based on the calculations of this study, a trailer behind an articulated semitrailer is subjected to sideways swerves, and it is therefore not recommended to attach a trailer behind an articulated semitrailer. This report is available at http://www.mintc.fi or http://www.mintc.fi/oliver/upl469-0304.pdf
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/951723869X
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Authors:
- KORTELAINEN, J
- Publication Date: 2004
Language
- Finnish
Media Info
- Pagination: 40p
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Serial:
- PUBLICATIONS OF THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Issue Number: 3
- Publisher: MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS FINLAND
- ISSN: 0783-2680
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Driving; Driving simulators; Loads; Simulation; Stability (Mechanics); Tank trucks; Tanks (Combat vehicles); Towing devices; Tractor trailer combinations; Traffic safety; Trailers; Trucks
- Uncontrolled Terms: Articulated vehicles; Loading
- Geographic Terms: Finland
- ITRD Terms: 1225: Articulated vehicle; 8035: Finland; 5567: Load; 1236: Lorry; 1228: Road tanker; 1665: Safety; 9103: Simulation; 1680: Simulator (driving); 1694: Towing (pulling); 1217: Tracked vehicle; 1203: Trailer; 1646: Vehicle handling
- Subject Areas: Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01015250
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: TRL
- ISBN: 951-723-869-X
- Files: ITRD
- Created Date: Jan 12 2006 8:53AM