Title: The integration of larger combination vehicles into the existing infrastructure using heavy vehicle simulation

Authors: Scott McFarlane

Addresses: Roaduser Research Pty Ltd., 525 Spencer Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3016, Australia

Abstract: The integration of larger ||innovative|| vehicle combinations into the existing infrastructure relies heavily on proving the concept to government and local authorities. Simulation modelling has proved to be a useful tool in showing that an innovative vehicle is a safer and more efficient alternative to conventional equipment. This paper will provide examples of the use of AUTOSIMTM in developing custom yaw/roll and yaw/roll/pitch models for investigating the dynamic performance of combination vehicles. Models will be described for large innovative road trains. Consideration will be given to the modelling of the trailing fidelity of these vehicles on non-planar surfaces, and examples of model outputs for combination vehicles operating on various three-dimensional features will be given. Examples of the application of dynamic performance standards related to stability and control in a number of performance attributes will be considered, and the performance of some innovative vehicle combinations will be compared with that of currently-operating conventional trucks.

Keywords: combination vehicles; vehicle dynamics; vehicle model.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2000.004452

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2000 Vol.7 No.1, pp.96 - 110

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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