Steady-State Steering Response of an Articulated Vehicle with a Multi-Axle Forced Steering Dolly

This paper describes the results of a study of the steady-state steering response and directional stability of an articulated vehicle with a multi-axle forced steering dolly. The vehicle consists of a tractor and a multi-axle forced steering dolly, joined together through a long payload, such as pipes. Because of its unique design features, a new method of approach to the analysis of the steady-state directional behaviour of this type of vehicle has been developed. The effects of design and operational parameters of the vehicle on the tractor yaw rate, and on the curvature response and articulation angle response to steering input have been examined in detail.