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Controlled Lateral Load Offset - An Approach for Improving Roll Stability of Tractor / Semi-trailer Combinations
paris98/f98t660

Authors

Eugen M. Negrus - Politehnica University of Bucharest
Mihail Cocosila - Politehnica University of Bucharest

Abstract

Rollover is a major cause of injuries and fatalities among the heavy truck occupants in accidents involving this category of vehicles. The paper presents a mechanical approach which might decrease some destabilizing factors acting on a tractor/ semi-trailer vehicle while negotiating a turn by a controlled lateral load offset inwards the curve. A key feature is that all modifications implied by this approach would be done exclusively to the tractor of a vehicle combination what is an important practical advantage. This solution might increase the roll stability of a heavy full loaded truck with up to 18%, during steady-state cornering, according to some calculations.

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