Directional performance analysis of an A-train double with externally mounted dampers
by D. Vazquez-Vega, S. Rakheja, A.K.W. Ahmed, A. Lozano-Guzman
International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems (IJHVS), Vol. 8, No. 2, 2001

Abstract: An A-dolly with externally mounted dampers is proposed to enhance the yaw and lateral directional performance of an A-train double. A kinematic analysis of the external dampers is performed to derive damping forces and moments imposed on the coupled A-dolly and the first semitrailer of the combination. The resulting kinematic model of the external dampers is integrated within the non-linear yaw-plane model of the A-train to study the performance potentials of the dampers. The directional response characteristics of the combination are evaluated under closed-loop path-change and double path-change manoeuvres, in conjunction with a path-follower driver-vehicle model based upon preview/predictive strategy. An analytical function based on the Magic Formula is further proposed to describe the path co-ordinates for the closed-loop manoeuvres. The results of the study show that damped articulation integrated between the first semitrailer and the A-dolly offers considerable potential for enhancement of the directional performance of the vehicle combination in terms of peak lateral acceleration, yaw rate, and rearward amplification.

Online publication date: Tue, 01-Jul-2003

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