Search Results

This research compares the responses of a vehicle modeled in the 3D vehicle simulation program SIMON in the HVE simulation operating system against instrumented responses of a 3-axle tractor, 2-axle semi-trailer combination. The instrumented tests were previously described in SAE 2001-01-0139 and SAE 2003-01-1324 as part of a continuous research effort in the area of vehicle dynamics undertaken at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). The vehicle inertial and mechanical parameters were measured at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). The tire data was provided by Smithers Scientific Services, Inc. and UMTRI. The series of tests discussed herein compares the modeled and instrumented vehicle responses during quasi-steady state, steady state and transient handling maneuvers, producing lateral accelerations ranging nominally from 0.05 to 0.5 G's.

A method was developed for determining the unknown initial velocity of vehicles in yaw based upon evidence of the vehicle’s trajectory. The problem is formulated as an optimization problem by minimizing the error between a simulation trajectory and the known vehicle trajectory as per tire marks. A search simulation is coded in Matlab. An objective function is formulated based upon the error between the search simulation’ trajectories and the trajectory prescribed by the tire mark evidence. Initial conditions and step driver inputs are the design variables. A genetic algorithm routine coded in Matlab, GAOT (Genetic Algorithm Optimization Toolbox), is implemented to determine the solution vector that results in a simulation trajectory that minimizes the objective function. Target simulations are created using EDVSM (Engineering Dynamics Vehicle Simulation Model). The optimization algorithm is implemented and errors in the resultant velocities are reported.

The transporting of live cattle involves the use of Class 8 tractors and livestock semi-trailers for transportation from farms and feedlots to processing plants. This travel may include unimproved roads, local streets, two lane highways, as well as interstate highways. Typically, cattle are compartmentalized in a “double deck” fashion as it provides utility and comports with size and weight limits for commercial Class 8 vehicles. Concern has been expressed for the effect of cattle movement upon the dynamic performance of the loaded Class 8 tractor-livestock trailer assembly. Loading guidelines exist for cattle that attempt to prevent injury or debilitation during transit, and literature exists on the orientation and some kinematics of loaded cattle. Considerable literature exists on the effect of liquid slosh in tankers and swinging beef carcasses suspended from hooks in refrigerated van trailers on the dynamic response and roll stability of those vehicles.