Title: Experimental and numerical testing of a prototype car-carrier structure with suggested design improvements

Authors: Z. Li, W. Altenhof, P. Frise, R. Gaspar, B. Arnold

Addresses: Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3PB, Canada. ' Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3PB, Canada. ' Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3PB, Canada. ' Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3PB, Canada. ' Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3PB, Canada

Abstract: This paper describes a computer-based modelling, simulation, and validation effort to aid in the development, testing, and design improvement of a prototype car-carrier structure. In this research, a finite-element model of a prototype car-carrier structure was developed and numerical computations were conducted using LS-DYNA to investigate the stress/strain distribution within the carrier structure when negotiating a typical speed bump. The model was compared with experimental results taken from tests using a truck car-carrier of similar configuration to the trailer investigated in this research. Local and global geometric modifications were made to minimise lateral structural deflections and stress and strain concentrations.

Keywords: car-carrier; deflection; fatigue; field test; finite element; stress/strain concentration; structural modifications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2003.003693

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2003 Vol.10 No.4, pp.257 - 280

Published online: 09 Nov 2003 *

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