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Acceleration and Braking Performance of Transit Style Buses
Technical Paper
2012-01-0618
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
Determining pre-impact acceleration and braking performance values is an important aspect of reconstructing collisions. Collision analysts may have to rely upon performance testing of an exemplar vehicle for reliable data to use in traffic collision reconstruction cases. These performance characteristics are well documented for many vehicle classes, but are limited when discussing urban transit style buses. The constant stop and go urban driving conditions in which they operate constantly challenge the vehicle components. Because of the heavy weights and operating conditions, auxiliary braking systems are often installed to prolong the life of the service brakes.
A series of idle acceleration, maximum acceleration, and maximum braking tests were conducted using urban transit style buses that are currently in-service in a large metropolitan area. The initial braking target speed for these braking tests was 64 kph (40 mph). The idle acceleration data was collected at measured distances to determine both acceleration values and top speed achieved due to idle acceleration. Data was collected using onboard instrumentation, video, and ground measurements. Both straight and articulated buses were tested using the same test methodology.
The results of these tests are reported in this paper. Some performance characteristics documented during these tests were then compared with results of other similar performance testing of comparable buses. This data will assist traffic collision reconstructionists with determining reasonable base values in analyzing collisions involving these types of heavy vehicles.
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Topic
Citation
English, J. and Beck, R., "Acceleration and Braking Performance of Transit Style Buses," SAE Technical Paper 2012-01-0618, 2012, https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-0618.Also In
References
- Larson, Thomas D. Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center, Penn State University The buses loaded to SLW that were compared to buses tested here with 5 or less passengers are Altoona test numbers, 0603 tested 03-2006, 0412 tested 09-2004, 0611 tested 06-2006, 0511 tested 07-2005. The Vehicle Systems & Safety Program of The Larson Transportation Institute at Penn State University is responsible for the operation of the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center. It is subsidized by Federal funding to test new bus models before they are put into service and provide the bus manufacturers with research and testing information to enhance the safety and efficiency of transit vehicles
- Allison Transmission allisontransmission.com
- Telma Retarder Inc www.telmausa.com
- USDOT CFR Title 49, FVMSS, Part 571-121 Air Brake Systems
- USDOT, Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 121, Air Brake Systems TP-121V-05
- SAE International Surface Vehicle Standard “Stopping Distance Test Procedure,” SAE Standard J299 Jan. 2009
- SAE International Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice “Measurement of Vehicle-Roadway Frictional Drag,” SAE Standard J2505 Aug. 2010