Title: Modelling and verification of a 12-DOF tractor-semitrailer longitudinal model for load transfer analysis

Authors: M.Z. Abdul Manaf; K. Hudha; P.M. Samin; S.A.A. Bakar

Addresses: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81300, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia ' Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81300, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81300, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

Abstract: The analysis of the longitudinal load transfer in a tractor-semitrailer provides vital information on the magnitude of the loads transferred between the tractor unit and the semitrailer unit. This study aims to develop a tractor-semitrailer longitudinal model for load transfer analysis based on a two-axle tractor and a single-axle semitrailer connected through a fifth-wheel hitch system. The model is simulated in the MATLAB Simulink software and verified using qualitative and quantitative comparison methods between the simulation and TruckSim data through the sudden acceleration and harsh braking tests. The dynamic behaviour of the developed tractor-semitrailer model agrees well with the TruckSim dynamic behaviour with an acceptable RMS error of less than 5%. The analysis of the longitudinal load transfer found that the load transfer during the harsh braking test had higher magnitudes and longer duration of existence than the sudden acceleration test.

Keywords: tractor semitrailer; longitudinal model; load transfer analysis; sudden acceleration test; harsh braking test; hitch joint modelling; vertical hitch force; longitudinal hitch force.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2023.134312

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2023 Vol.30 No.5, pp.525 - 559

Received: 01 Apr 2022
Accepted: 21 Jun 2022
Published online: 18 Oct 2023 *

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