Vehicle Dynamics Analysis of a Heavy Truck/Trailer Combination Using Simulation 1999-01-0119

This report describes a computer-based modeling, simulation and graphical animation effort that addresses the dynamic performance, stability, and handling of the Palletized Load System (PLS) truck/trailer combination being considered for use as a transporter for a 19,000 liter Bulk Fuel and Water Carrier variant. The US Army has initiated an effort to develop and evaluate concepts to explore alternative uses for the PLS. The US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Research, Development, & Engineering Center (TACOM-TARDEC), has been task to determine and develop viable alternatives to be used with the PLS to include volume water and fuel transportation as well as specialized combat engineer missions. To aid the Army in determining the stability and handling characteristics of the PLS Truck (PLS) and Trailer (PLST) combination while transporting variants, a series of stability, handling and ride-quality evaluations was conducted on the 19,000 liter Bulk Fuel and Water Carrier variant using state-of-the-art dynamic simulation techniques to define and analyze the system’s motion. The purpose of this study was to employ those same techniques to determine the upper bounds of system performance while transporting the rigidly attached 19,000 liter Bulk Fuel and Water Carrier under various adverse operating conditions, and to conduct comparative performance studies with a baseline PLS/PLST combination transporting standard (worstcase) payloads to determine if the performance of the PLS/PLST w/ the 19,000 liter variant is in compliance with minimum acceptable performance requirements set forth for this combination. This analysis employed the Dynamic Analysis and Design System (DADS) computer-based methodology to predict vehicle and system performance directly by generating and solving the governing equations of motion and control. This report summarizes the models that were developed, the simulations and design excursions that were performed, and the conclusions that were reached based on these findings.