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Article
Effect of Multi-Axle Steering on Off-Tracking and Dynamic Lateral Response of Articulated Tractor-Trailer Combinations
International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems (2007)
  • K Rangavajhula, San Jose State University
  • Jacob Tsao, San Jose State University
Abstract

Multi-axle steering systems with a tractor and up to three full trailers are studied with linear yaw plane models to investigate the effect of additional steering on off-tracking phenomena during 90-degree turns and on the lateral responses during lane-change manoeuvres. The dependence of critical speed(s) for lateral stability on the location(s) of steered trailer axle(s) is studied via a linear stability analysis. Addition of non-steered trailer(s) reduces the stability. However, trailer steering results in a drastic reduction of high- and low-speed off-tracking, lateral forces, and yaw and slip velocities and in the concomitant increase in directional stability.

Publication Date
2007
Citation Information
K Rangavajhula and Jacob Tsao. "Effect of Multi-Axle Steering on Off-Tracking and Dynamic Lateral Response of Articulated Tractor-Trailer Combinations" International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems Vol. 14 Iss. 4 (2007)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jacob_tsao/16/