The yaw stability of tractor-semitrailers in steering-only maneuvers is examined by means of computer simulation and full-scale tests. The tests included as-designed vehicles as well as vehicles modified with frame and front suspension stiffening elements installed. Results show that while tractor yaw instability can occur well below the rollover threshold for certain vehicles, modified stiffness parameters can eliminate such premature yaw instability. Simulation study of the influence of design and operating variables on tractor yaw stability served to classify the relative importance of different suspension stiffness options, as well as tire mix, fifth wheel placement, and trailer loading practices. Results show that remarkably low levels of tractor yaw stability are possible with certain combinations of design and in-use variables. A set of measurements of tractor-semitrailer ride vibrations is also reported as an add-on task to this study.
The Yaw Stability of Tractor-Semitrailers during Cornering: Summary
1979
24 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Road Transportation , Transportation Safety , Semitrailers , Yaw , Stability , Control , Steering , Maneuverability , Computerized simulation , Dynamic loads , Tires , Tractors , Vibration , Tests , Loading procedures , Safety , Suspension systems(Vehicles) , Motor vehicles , Trailers , Motor vehicle accidents , Cornering , Vehicle handling , Rollover accidents , Ride quality
Fifth-wheel mountings on tractor semitrailers
Engineering Index Backfile | 1948
|FIFTH-WHEEL MOUNTINGS ON TRACTOR SEMITRAILERS
SAE Technical Papers | 1948
|