Title: Simulation of a partly filled tank vehicle combination in TruckSim and tank design optimisation

Authors: Wen-Bin Shangguan; Yibao Chen; Qiongyao Wang; Subhash Rakheja

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China ' School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China ' School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China ' CONCAVE Research Center, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1M8, Canada; School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China

Abstract: A simulation platform is developed for analysis of directional dynamics of partly filled tank vehicle combinations by integrating a steady-state fluid slosh model of the partly filled tank to TruckSim software. A modified Reuleux-triangle tank cross-section with a curved bottom is further proposed to achieve reduction in mass centre height and to adapt to current designs of saddle mounts. The coupled tank-vehicle simulation platform is used to evaluate roll dynamic performance of a six-axle tractor-semitrailer combination with the proposed tank cross-section considering different cargo fill volumes. The roll performances, evaluated in terms of steady rollover threshold, lateral load transfer and peak directional responses, are further compared with those of currently used tank cross-sections. The comparisons suggested that the modified Reuleux-triangle tank can yield improved roll performance. Furthermore, the coupled tank-vehicle simulation platform could serve as an effective virtual design and simulation tool for parametric design of partly filled tank trucks.

Keywords: partly filled tank trucks; TruckSim; roll dynamics; tank cross section; modified Reuleux-triangle tanks; simulation; tank design optimisation; steady-state fluid slosh model; dynamic modelling; six-axle tractor-semitrailers; cargo fill volumes; rollover threshold; lateral load transfer; peak directional responses; virtual design; parametric design; heavy vehicles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2016.077329

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2016 Vol.23 No.3, pp.264 - 282

Received: 19 Dec 2015
Accepted: 19 Dec 2015
Published online: 28 Jun 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article