SIMULATION OF THE DIRECTIONAL RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS OF TRACTOR-SEMITRAILER VEHICLES

The report examines the capability of a detailed digital simulation for predicting the response to steering of tractor-semitrailer vehicles in (1) obstacle-avoidance maneuvers, (2) turning near the rollover limit, and (3) steady turning. Measured and simulated results are presented for a three-axle tractor combined with either a van-trailer or a flat-bed trailer. The influences of changes in tractor frame stiffness and/or the roll stiffness of the front suspension are considered in assessing the validity of the simulation. Particular emphasis is placed on investigating the prediction of the articulation angle existing between the tractor and the semitrailer during steady turns. The study concludes that the simulation is capable of doing an excellent job of predicting vehicle response in obstacle-avoidance maneuvers.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Report on Motor Truck Braking and Handling Performance Study.
• Corporate Authors:

  Highway Safety Research Institute

  Huron Parkway and Baxter Road
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109

  Motor Vehicles Manufacturers Association

  320 New Center Building
  Detroit, MI  United States  48202
• Authors:
  • Fancher, PSJ
  • MALLIKARJUNARAO, C
  • NISONGER, R L
• Publication Date: 1979-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 85 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Digital computers; Digital simulation; Dynamic loads; Forecasting; Frames; Maneuverability; Measurement; Performance tests; Rollover crashes; Safety; Simulation; Steering; Stiffness; Suspension systems; Tractor trailer combinations; Trailers; Truck tractors; Vehicle performance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Accident avoidance; Digital techniques; Dynamic response
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00318323
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: UM-HSRI-79-9 Tech Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 16 2002 12:00AM