EFFECTS OF SUSPENSION VARIATIONS ON THE DYNAMIC WHEEL LOADS OF A HEAVY ARTICULATED HIGHWAY VEHICLE

The work reported here was supported jointly by Canroad and the National Research Council Division of Mechanical Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics Laboratory, as part of the RTAC/ccmta vehicle weights and dimensions study. The study investigated the dynamic wheel load behaviour of various heavy highway vehicle suspension systems under a controlled experimental program. A 45 tonne tractor-trailer was modified to measure the dynamic axle loads of all major load carrying axles simultaneously. Suspension parameters such as suspension type, axle spread and axle load were investigated as functions of road roughness and vehicle speed. The effects of brake torque and suspension pitch attitude on the load equalization of the suspension were also investigated. Road tests were conducted at various speeds over a variety of road roughness conditions. Findings relevant to the subject of dynamic road loading are highlighted. (Author/TRRL)