Title: The directional behaviour during braking of a tractor/semi-trailer fitted with anti-locking devices.

Authors: V.S. Verma, R.R. Guntur, J.Y. Wong

Addresses: Transport Technology Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. ' Transport Technology Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. ' Transport Technology Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Abstract: In this paper the directional behaviour of a tractor/semi-trailer equipped with anti-locking devices on one or more of its axles was studied using digital simulation. The study was limited to the examination of the behaviour of the vehicle during braking in a turning manoeuvre. The suitability of various anti-locking arrangements was examined from the standpoints of directional control and stability, and braking effectiveness. The results of the study indicated that the control managements of current anti-locking devices on a tractor/semi-trailer should be improved in that suitable measures should be taken to maintain directional stability in case of failure of the anti-lock system on one or more of its axles. Improved warning systems would also be required to alert the driver to take appropriate corrective action in case of failure.

Keywords: articulated vehicles; tractor semi-trailer; anti-lock system; jack-knifing; axle control; conventional braking; slip control system; vehicle dynamics; vehicle handling; vehicle stability; vehicle data; vehicle behaviour; directional stability; directional control; vehicle model; tyre model; braking model; mathematical modelling; Lagrangian dynamics; digital simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1980.061065

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1980 Vol.1 No.3, pp.195 - 220

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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