Effect of off-centred loading on roll stability of multi-trailer trucks. Issue 2 (9th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Yang; Zheng, Xiaohan; Zhang, Zichen; Ahmadian, Mehdi
• Is Part Of: International journal of vehicle performance. Volume 8:Issue 2/3(2022)
• Page Start: 271
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2022-03-09
• Subjects: off-centred loading -- 28-ft A-double -- commercial vehicle -- roll stability -- rollover -- tip-up -- J-turn -- LTR -- load transfer ratio -- CRS -- critical rollover speed -- SSF -- static stability factor; Vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; 629.049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-3194

Abstract

The effect of partial loading on the wheel tip-up and rollover stability of 28-ft A-double tractor-trailers is studied using TruckSim®. The model parameters are determined based on measurements and test data, and the model is validated using track data. Four loading conditions are considered: empty, side-loaded, front-loaded, and fully-loaded. The simulation results of a 150-ft J-turn manoeuvre indicate that front- and side-loading of the rear trailer leads to the largest load transfer ratio (LTR) and tip-up, compared with loaded and unloaded conditions. Beyond the trailers' dynamics, unloaded and side-loaded conditions result in lower dolly tip-up speeds, compared with the other load conditions. The side-loaded condition yields the lowest critical rollover speed (CRS). The fully loaded trailer is more prone to rollover than the front-loaded and unloaded cases. The study also suggests that for loaded and partially-loaded cases the static stability factor (SSF) can provide a good first-order estimate of CRS.