Search Results

Optimal trailer design for tractor-trailer transportation depends on accurate and reliable estimates of typical lifetime loading duty cycles. On-the-road testing was done to measure the vertical acceleration response of three different trailers in forest logging conditions. The test conditions included various trailer axle and load configurations, weight transported, and road surfaces including both gravel and paved roads. It was concluded that the rigid trailer body bounce and pitch, the non-rigid body trailer bending, and the wheel hop are the primary components of the vertical response. These results establish approximately what types of operational amplitudes are to be expected for these operations and will provide the basis for the development of a more general trailer frame load prediction model.

Ride quality of articulated vehicles is investigated via computer simulation in view of secondary suspension parameters. A tractor-semitrailer vehicle is modelled incorporating primary as well as secondary suspension. The ride vibration levels at the cab floor and at the driver-seat interface are evaluated using power spectral density approach. The effect of various vehicle parameters, such as secondary suspensions, primary suspensions, axle loads and tires on the vehicle ride quality is presented, and the significance of secondary vehicle suspension is specifically emphasized. A software package is developed to evaluate and assess the ride performance of articulated vehicles with suspended seat and cab. A limited validation of the computer ride model is achieved via field measurements.