The stability of articulated vehicles has been investigated for decades. Most research has focused on directional and/or braking performance and the design of an individual component of a vehicle. Nevertheless, very little attention has been made to the influence of aerodynamic effects and roadway slope. In order to study the influence of aerodynamic effects and slope on stability a linear three-degree-of-freedom mathematical model will be used in this paper. The three degrees of freedom include lateral velocity, yaw velocity and articulation between the truck and the trailer. It is noted that roll and other effects are not included in this model for the simplicity of investigating the aerodynamic effects and the influence aerodynamic effects and the influence of slope. The individual and combined influence of aerodynamic effects and slope will be presented in this study and results will be illustrated with tables. This study will provide a first phase analysis to vehicle design.
Abstract