Title: Pneumatic suspensions in semi-trailers: Part II Computer simulation

Authors: P. Luque, D.A. Mantaras

Addresses: Area de Ingeniería e Infraestructura de los Transportes, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus de Viesques s/n 33204 Gijon, Spain ' Area de Ingeniería e Infraestructura de los Transportes, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus de Viesques s/n 33204 Gijon, Spain ' '

Abstract: Based on the theoretical background explained in ||Pneumatic suspension in semi-trailers: Part I||, where air spring suspension is analysed, a three-dimensional model of a semi-trailer with triaxial tandem and pneumatic suspension is developed. The elastic behaviour of an air spring and bushings is introduced and complemented with the dissipative action of a hydraulic damper. The magic Formula model (the Pajecka Formulation) is applied to define the tyre dynamics. A commercial multi-body simulation software package (DADS) is used to implement the model, and its post-processing capabilities allow an estimation of the dynamic response of the vehicles studied, and the safety conditions for circulation. Different driving manoeuvres are simulated with various road conditions. The work is of value in the evaluation of the static and dynamic response of heavy vehicle combinations under critical situations.

Keywords: computer simulation; height control; pneumatic suspension; semi-trailer; suspension dynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2003.003696

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2003 Vol.10 No.4, pp.309 - 320

Published online: 02 Dec 2003 *

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