Title: Roll dynamics of long combination semi-trailers with steerable axles

Authors: Borna Monazzah Moghaddam; Wei Huang; Luke Steiginga; Gordon Poole; Robin Chhabra

Addresses: Autonomous Space Robotics and Mechatronics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada ' Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1V 1S2, Canada ' Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1V 1S2, Canada ' Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1V 1S2, Canada ' Autonomous Space Robotics and Mechatronics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada

Abstract: An assessment of the dynamic performance of long combination vehicles (LCV) with steerable axles was undertaken to facilitate the regulation of LCVs for wider use on Canadian roads. A base dry box van A-train LCV and four steered combinations with different steerable axle mechanisms on the trailer are modelled using TruckSim. TruckSim's driver logic is augmented through an optimised controller to more accurately capture the driver's decision-making in response to the LCV dynamics. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control mechanisms are added to compensate for the reduced stability caused by improving the manoeuvrability. The models are run through highspeed lane change and turn simulations, the primary manoeuvres for the assessment of roll dynamics of LCVs. The configurations are compared in terms of standard performance parameters: static roll threshold, rearward amplification (RWA), load transfer ratio (LTR), highspeed off-tracking and transient off-tracking. All mechanisms are shown to satisfy standard stability requirements.

Keywords: LCV; long combination vehicles; passive trailer steerable axles; roll stability; standard performance measures; TruckSim; closed-loop dynamic simulation; design optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVP.2022.122062

International Journal of Vehicle Performance, 2022 Vol.8 No.2/3, pp.224 - 241

Received: 04 Aug 2020
Accepted: 05 Mar 2021
Published online: 08 Apr 2022 *

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