Title: Pneumatic suspensions in semi-trailers. Part I: General considerations and simplified models

Authors: P. Luque, D.A. Mantaras

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

Abstract: A theoretical background to pneumatic suspension in semi-trailers is put forward which can be used for the calculation of the total weight of a vehicle and its axle. This information is essential for both static and dynamic analyses, and is an important factor in safety. The response of an air spring with a height control valve is characterised and the problem of different axle loads in a pneumatic suspension without a mechanical equaliser is studied in a triaxial tandem. An expression for the dynamic spring rate (stiffness coefficient) versus pressure and length is obtained for a commercial air spring.

Keywords: air springs; height control; pneumatic suspension; semi-trailer; suspension dynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2003.003695

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2003 Vol.10 No.4, pp.295 - 308

Published online: 09 Nov 2003 *

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