Title: Frequency locus constructions for the bounce and roll motions of a simple trailer

Authors: A.G. Thompson

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Abstract: The body of a two-wheeled trailer with a swing-axle suspension exhibits steady-state bounce and roll motions when excited periodically by vertical inputs at the wheels. Graphical constructions are presented for the determination of (a) the frequency-response amplitudes of the body support points, and (b) the effect of roll stiffness on roll amplitudes. Damping of the anti-roll torsion bars is favoured by the results of the studies. The theory may be applied to motor car suspensions if the coupling of the front and rear suspensions through the body is neglected.

Keywords: two-wheeled trailer; trailer motion; anti-roll bars; roll stiffness; body design parameters; frequency response; frequency loci; swing-axle suspension; loop gain; over-turning moment; stability; steady state response; tyre compliance; destabilising effects; mechanical vibration, vehicle dynamics; vehicle handling; control engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1980.061066

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1980 Vol.1 No.3, pp.221 - 230

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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