Articulated, two-member vehicles such as tractor-trailers are
influenced by a multitude of factors (e.g., damping
characteristics, weight distribution, geometry, etc.). Optimal
suspension parameters require a mathematical analysis of vehicle
vibration. The paper presents a model with six degrees of freedom
which may be modified for different forms of articulated vehicles;
also presented are associated matrices of weight, damping, spring
stiffness, acceleration, speed, displacement, friction, and
excitation values. Mass-distribution coefficients are defined for
both tractor and trailer. Mathematical development is, in general,
not presented but taken from previous studies.
The second part of the paper discusses the implications of these
mathematical formulations. Interrelationships of the suspension
elements and system parameters are described. Although tractor
vibrational response is determined primarily by its own suspension,
the effect of trailer characteristics is demonstrated. Advantages
of different types of suspension elements are discussed and various
improvements are specified.