Title: Numerical-experimental analysis of the static roll stability of a demonstrator for the development of a rollover prevention device for dump semi-trailers

Authors: David Valladares; Hugo Malon; Luis Castejon; Alberto Viñuales

Addresses: VEHIVIAL (New Vehicle Technologies and Road Safety), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C.P.S. C/Maria de Luna s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain ' VEHIVIAL (New Vehicle Technologies and Road Safety), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C.P.S. C/Maria de Luna s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain ' VEHIVIAL (New Vehicle Technologies and Road Safety), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C.P.S. C/Maria de Luna s/n, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain ' Leciñena S.A., Autovía de Logroño km 12,200, 50180 Utebo (Zaragoza), Spain

Abstract: When raising the dump body of a tipping vehicle the overall centre of mass changes its position, and the presence of factors such as a sloping ground or an off-centred load could lead to instability situations. In this respect, a prototype of rollover prevention system for dump semi-trailers has been developed. At the very instant at which the vehicle loses its stability, this device is able to lower the dump body to its horizontal rest position in order to prevent the rollover. A dump semi-trailer demonstrator has been built so as to verify the performance of the prototype. Then, a numerical-experimental analysis of the static roll stability of the demonstrator has been carried out by means finite element calculations and stability tests. From this initial analysis, it will be possible to study and solve different problems associated with the installation of the rollover prevention device in a real vehicle.

Keywords: static roll stability; rollover prevention; dump semi-trailers; tipping vehicles; FEM; finite element method; vehicle rollover; vehicle safety; discharge; tipping vehicles; heavy vehicles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2013.054479

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2013 Vol.8 No.2, pp.157 - 178

Received: 08 Sep 2011
Accepted: 16 Aug 2012
Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

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