Search Results

Building upon prior research, this paper compares computer simulations to a previously conducted rollover crash test of a tractor-semitrailer. The effects of torsional stiffness were elucidated during the correlation of simulations to the rollover test. A commercially available vehicle dynamics and reconstruction software was used for the simulation. Unique aspects of the rollover crash test were modeled in the simulation. A tractor-semitrailer quarter-turn rollover crash test conducted by IMMI was reconstructed using impact and vehicle dynamics models within the simulation software HVE (Human, Vehicle & Environment). The SIMON (SImulation MOdel Non-linear) module and the DyMESH (Dynamic MEchanical SHell) module within HVE were used. During the IMMI test, onboard instrumentation recorded acceleration and roll rate data in six degrees of freedom to characterize both tractor and semitrailer dynamics before and during the rollover event.

Between June 2000 and September 2008 the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management (UNF, IPTM) performed over 200 deceleration tests on over 70 commercial vehicles in a variety of configurations including various vehicle types, load conditions, and tests with and without the ABS system activated. The vehicle types tested were tractor w/van type trailer, tractor only (bobtail), straight box/service trucks, dump trucks, fire trucks, concrete mixing trucks, double trailers, articulated tankers, school and metro buses and articulated flatbeds. Vehicles were instrumented to record selected system performance parameters such as brake canister pressure rise, vehicle speed, position at brake pedal application, vehicle acceleration, etc. This paper reviews and summarizes the stopping distance data from these tests and provides insight into commercial vehicle stopping distance, drag factor for all of the tested vehicles and configurations.