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The present article looks into possibilities for using drive axle semiactive suspension systems of a tractor in a tractor-semitrailer combination. The problem has been studied by means of computer-aided simulation, with ADAMS/Car MSC software. The shock absorbers of the semiactive suspension are provided with closed-loop preview control. Thus, the steering front axle of the tractor functions as a sensor to register road irregularities that the wheels of the drive axle should overcome. There has been suggested a simplified control logic for the semiactive suspension, being based on the outcomes of the study of the closed-loop preview control algorithm. When used for the drive axle of the tractor in the tractor-trailer combination, the semiactive suspension has been demonstrated to reduce the coefficient of variation of dynamic vertical forces on road pavement by 5,5 to 7%, in comparison with the conventional suspension types.

Automotive smart membrane chamber fuel flow transducer (SMCFFT), capable of vehicle wide communications via a data bus will be discussed. The paper describes the family of SMCFTT, gives their technical characteristics, algorithms used for processing the data and example of practical application. A SMCFFT was installed on a vehicle equipped with an onboard computer (ECU) and connected with the latter via CAN or another data bus, with power supply from a nearby source. In this case SMCFTT control and preliminary signal processing are the functions of the SMCFTT's processor, final signal processing and information displaying are the functions of the onboard computer. With a SMCFFT installed in this way, there is no need for its own ECU, which will finally decrease the interface cable length and allow for more acceptable prices to measure fuel flow rate and fuel consumption.