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An analysis of the directional response characteristics of double tankers (i. e. , two articulated tank-trailers in Tandem)

Conference · · SAE Truck Meet.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6730269

An analysis of the directional response characteristics of double tankers (i.e., two articulated tank-trailers in Tandem), undertaken as part of a larger study by the University of Michigan, Highway Safety Research Institute for the Michigan State Office of Highway Safety Planning, indicated that the double-trailer gasoline tanker configuration corresponding to that used in Michigan has a lightly damped mode of ''pup-trailer'' (i.e., the second trailer) oscillation that can be unstable at highway speeds when the rear compartment of the pup trailer is loaded and the other compartments of the pup trailer are empty. In addition, the lateral acceleration of the pup-trailer is much larger than that of the tractor of the vehicle train in obstacle-avoidance maneuvers at highway speeds. Modification of the vehicle train by rigidizing the connection to the pup trailer at the pintle hook greatly reduces this tendency. The analysis should provide valuable assistance in deciding among various approaches for developing vehicles of appropriate size and weight to deliver flammable liquids safely and economically.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Michigan, Highw. Safety Res. Inst.
OSTI ID:
6730269
Report Number(s):
CONF-7812102-
Journal Information:
SAE Truck Meet.; (United States), Journal Name: SAE Truck Meet.; (United States) Vol. 781064
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English