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Steering of non-driven axles of semi-trailer results in improvement of maneuverability during negotiating sharp turn and reduces tyre drag and wear by relieving locked-in forces in comparison to non-steered axles. Among few, command steering mechanism is reported to be most efficient method of steering of articulated vehicles. In this type, the axles of semi-trailer are steered in relation with the articulation of tractor. The articulation angle of tractor is sensed by an actuation mechanism integrated on trailer at fifth wheel location and transferred hydraulically to the steering linkages. Mathematical equations have been developed based on Ackerman's Principle to estimate theoretical steering angle when Tractor-Trailer negotiate any turn. Steering linkage geometry has been conceptualised, kinematically modelled and analysed by using ADAMS. Equations developed for theoretical steering angles are incorporated in ADAMS as run time functions.

The special purpose long semi-trailer has been designed and developed for transportation and articulation of an article. A tilting mechanism is integrated on the trailer for articulating the article from horizontal to vertical position through a pair of hydraulic cylinders. Finite Element Model (FEM) using 3D shell and beam elements (six degrees of freedom) have been made for the complete integrated system and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been carried out for various loading conditions e.g. during transportation of article, at the start and end of articulation of the article, etc. Based on the finite element results, regions of critical stress have been selected for strain measurement. An experimentation scheme has been developed for recording of strain under simulated loading. The FEA has been validated by experimental stress analysis.

Special purpose, high payload carrying capacity, live gooseneck, multi axles, hydraulic suspension semi trailer is abinitio designed for transportation and tilting of heavy cargo from horizontal to vertical by hydraulically actuated mechanism integrated on the trailer. The chassis is levelled on hydraulic jacks followed by tilting of cargo. Hence the chassis experiences variable forces during tilting and estimated from kinematic model of tilting mechanism. These forces are input for finite element based structural design of chassis. Structural deflection of a step is made as initial condition for certain load cases of the analysis. Live gooseneck of this semi-trailer consists of hydraulically actuated mechanism, interconnected with multiple hydraulic suspensions in appropriate ratios. Estimation of Axles and fifth wheel force distributions of such trailer is complex. Mathematical modelling made to estimate these forces and applied as inputs for finite element analysis.