Title: Analysis of the torsional rigidity of a dump semi-trailer under unfavourable load conditions

Authors: David Valladares; Marco Carrera; Ramon Miralbes; Luis Castejon

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Betancourt Building, University of Zaragoza, E.I.N.A, C/ Maria de Luna s/n, Zaragoza 50018, Spain ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Betancourt Building, University of Zaragoza, E.I.N.A, C/ Maria de Luna s/n, Zaragoza 50018, Spain ' Department of Design and Manufacture Engineering, Torres Quevedo Building, University of Zaragoza, E.I.N.A, C/ Maria de Luna no 3, Zaragoza 50018, Spain ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Betancourt Building, University of Zaragoza, E.I.N.A, C/ Maria de Luna s/n, Zaragoza 50018, Spain

Abstract: The tipping operation of a dump semi-trailer increases the vehicle rollover risk. A higher centre of gravity, a transversal slope, varying compression degrees of the ground or an irregular unloading can lead to non-desirable lateral instability situations. Therefore it is interesting to analyse the torsional rigidity of the semi-trailer dump bed under unfavourable load conditions generating torsional compliance. By means of detailed finite element models, it has been possible to verify the correct performance of the articulated coupling between the semi-trailer dump bed and the hydraulic actuator in the presence of any unfavourable stability conditions that could occur.

Keywords: dump semi-trailers; torsional rigidity; FEM; finite element method; vehicle rollover; vehicle safety; unloading; articulated coupling; off-centre loads; lateral instability; torsional compliance; modelling; hydraulic actuators.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2014.058488

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2014 Vol.64 No.2/3/4, pp.304 - 324

Accepted: 22 Oct 2012
Published online: 30 Oct 2014 *

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