Transient Dynamic Analysis of an Articulated Vehicle Carrying Liquid Compared with the Rigid Cargo Vehicle

In this study¡ dynamic response of an articulated vehicle carrying liquid in a circular cylindrical tank at steady state and transient maneuvers has been investigated. A sixteen degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model of an articulated vehicle was initially developed¡ then it was validated using TRUCKSIM software for standard maneuver. Dynamic interaction between the vehicle and the liquid is studied using potential function method. In potential function method¡ the liquid free surface gradient subjected to roll angle and lateral acceleration of the semi-trailer can be determined with assumptions of non-viscous fluid flow and calculation the pressure gradient. The simulation results show the interaction between the vehicle dynamic and liquid. Further research shows that roll stability of the articulated vehicle carrying liquid is intensely affected by sloshing of the liquid and lower rollover stability limit is observed for this vehicle than the same vehicle carrying rigid cargo¡ especially under lane change maneuver.