Directional Performance and Yaw Stability of Articulated Combination Trucks

The present state of knowledge on the handling behavior of truck-dolly-trailer systems is based on parametric studies made through simulation of eigne value analysis. Any convincing study using the equations to the stability boundaries have not been reported so far due to algebraic complexities. A detailed planar mathematical model for various design configurations of the tractor triaxle trailer combination, the tractor quadaxle trailer combination and the doglogger truck is developed.

Furthermore, a kinematic and dynamic analysis of log hauling combination trucks, incorporating a sliding drawbar is carried out and the governing equations for planar yaw motions are derived. Using the computer simulation model, the directional performance and yaw stability of articulated vehicles are studied through the transient and harmonic response analysis. Finally, a parameter sensitivity study is carried out for different variables involved in the computer simulation model.