Analytical comparison of the dynamic performance of a European heavy vehicle and a generic US heavy vehicle. Final report, 15 February 1986-30 June 1987
This report documents a comparative study of the dynamic performance of U.S. and European tractor-semitrailer combinations. The project was accomplished in two phases - measurement of the suspension and inertial properties to those of a typical U.S. tractor-semitrailer in the context of their influence on dynamic performance as determined by simulation with computer models. A number of qualities related to turning behavior were evaluated. The U.S. and European vehicles were both stable and very comparable in turning performance up to 0.3 g lateral acceleration. In the laden condition, the rollover threshold of the European tractor-semitrailer was 9% better than that of the U.S. vehicle due to higher suspension-roll stiffness, and a lower center-of-gravity height. With regard to suspension roll stiffness, the stiffness on the European vehicle was comparable to the highest used on U.S. vehicles (in contrast to the mid-range values assumed for the comparison U.S. vehicle). The lower center of gravity on the European tractor-semitrailer was due to heavier tare weight and lower load capacity. The European tractor-semitrailer exhibited better braking performance than the U.S. vehicle in the conditions evaluated. Higher front-axle braking levels account for the braking advantage. When unladen, the advantage of the European vehicle is largely attributable to use of load-sensing proportioning valves on the tractor and semitrailer, which allow the front brakes to be used more effectively at lightly loaded conditions.
- Research Organization:
- Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor (USA). Transportation Research Inst.
- OSTI ID:
- 7146655
- Report Number(s):
- PB-88-201926/XAB; UMTRI-87-17
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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