Analytical-Experimental Response of Articulated Vehicles

Analytical-experimental studies were conducted on a tractor-semitrailer vehicle performing prescribed lane-change maneuvers. This paper shows the validation of the Articulated Vehicle Dynamics Simulation model (AVDS II) with full-scale tractor-semitrailer field tests. Experimental data on the tractor trajectory and braking were used as computer input, and the simulation model response results were compared with the vehicle responses from the experimental tests on a time-transient basis. Analytical-experimental validation is shown for varied vehicle speeds and braking during maneuvers.