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An analytical study of the directional behavior of a tractor-semitrailer vehicle with steered trailer axles is discussed. The model was used to determine the influence of design parameters and steering inputs on the directional behavior of the tractor-semitrailer combination with steered trailer axles. Results obtained from the computer simulation study indicated that the maneuverability of an articulated vehicle with steered trailer axles was improved. The influence of fifth-wheel location with respect to tractor cg on the vehicle directional behavior in a steady-state turning maneuver was also investigated. Fifth-wheel locations near the tractor cg were most effective in reducing the angles of sideslip and articulation.

This paper discusses the computer simulation of a road-vehicle directional response to fixed-control steering inputs using a general purpose simulation language, ACSL. The equations of motion are derived to evaluate the vehicle directional behavior in terms of sideslip angle, yawing velocity gain, and path curvature gain. Computer simulations have been performed to examine the influence of tire lateral stiffnesses, load distribution on front and rear axles, and forward speed on vehicle directional response, in particular on the vehicle turning geometry.