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Dynamic fluid slosh and its influence on the dynamic roll stability of a partially filled tank truck has been investigated through a field test program undertaken jointly by the CONCAVE Research Centre and Transportation Technology and Energy Branch of Ontario Ministry of Transportation. The paper describes the test methodology, instrumentation, data acquisition, fluid slosh behaviour, and its influence on the directional response of the tank truck. The data acquired during different directional maneuvers is analyzed to highlight the fluid slosh and its impact on the dynamic load transfer and roll stability of the vehicle. The magnitude of dynamic load transfer, derived from the video records of the dynamic fluid movement, is presented and discussed for various tank fill levels and directional maneuvers. The test results revealed that the magnitude of dynamic fluid slosh is strongly related to the vehicle speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, and the fill level.

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.