Validation of truck handling simulation results. Volume I: final summary report.

Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.

Validation of truck handling simulation results. Volume II: technical report. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.

An experimental investigation of the unsteady aerodynamics of passing highway vehicles. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

An experimental investigation of the unsteady aerodynamics of passing highway vehicles. Final summary.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Oblique angle crash tests of loaded heavy trucks into an instrumented wall. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Life cycle costs of quieter truck tires. Final report.

Transportation Department, Office of Noise Abatement, Washington, D.C.

An in-service evaluation of the performance, reliability, maintainability, and durability of antilock braking systems (ABSs) for semitrailers. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Influences of the load centre of gravity on heavy vehicle acceleration

The aim of this paper is to analyse the influence of the load centre of gravity on heavy vehicle acceleration. This analysis is done through a method in which a vehicle centre of gravity map is used. A model for the driving force is presented for bus, truck and tractor-semi trailer combinations. The proposed model takes into consideration the resistance forces (drag, rolling resistance, translation and rotation acceleration, climbing resistance) and the 4 X 2 traction system. The positions of the vehicle centre of gravity as a function of the position of the load centre of gravity are determined. The vehicle acceleration is calculated based on the position of the load centre of gravity. This study analyses the acceleration of one of the Mercedes-Benz do Brasil tractor-semitrailer vehicle. A comparison of the acceleration for different maximum adhesion coefficients and ramps are presented, showing new results. An example showing the variations of the load centre of gravity position with the acceleration time and distance is provided. The load centre of gravity position is important for vehicle safety and the efficiency and economy in the transportation of the load.

Comparison of California accident rates for single and double tractor-trailer combination trucks. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.

Parameter measurement for heavy-vehicle fuel consumption modelling

A mathematical model is developed to predict the energy consumption of a heavy vehicle. It includes the important factors of heavy-vehicle energy consumption, namely engine and drivetrain performances, losses due to accessories, aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, road gradients, and driver behaviour. Novel low-cost testing methods were developed to determine engine and drivetrain characteristics. A simple drive cycle was used to validate the model. The model is able to predict the fuel use for a 371 tractor-semitrailer vehicle over a 4 km drive cycle within 1 per cent. This paper demonstrates that accurate and reliable vehicle benchmarking and model parameter measurement can be achieved without expensive equipment overheads, e.g. engine and chassis dynamometers.

District of Columbia truck and bus safety demonstration project. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of State Vehicle Programs, Washington, D.C.

Analysis of rules and regulations for steel coil truck transport /

Cover title.