An Analysis of Braking Performance Using Hardware in the Loop Simulation 2013-01-2352

The new RSDII (Reduced Stopping Distance, phase 2) regulation creates an increased emphasis by the heavy truck industry to ensure that brake systems are properly chosen and optimized. This regulation has led to vehicles being fitted with much more powerful brakes. However, despite the intent of these new brakes to provide larger braking forces for shorter stopping distances, the performance of vehicles is still limited by the maximum friction coefficient between the vehicle's tires and the road. In order to get the most out of these new brakes, it is essential that the entirety of the vehicle be taken into account. With the use of a hardware-in-the-loop simulation tool, this paper will present stopping data predictions from a variety of vehicles of varying brake torque and wheelbase. It will be shown how these factors change the way a vehicle behaves under panicked stopping situations.