摘要: |
The evaluation of a basic vehicle type relative to another, in terms of stability and control properties, can be done comprehensively only by examining its behavior over a wide range of loading conditions, component selection, and operation variables, such as tire tread wear level, pavement friction, etc. While the scope of the study did not permit an evaluation at such levels of detail, the results show the safety-related dynamic performance effects of varying a trailer's axle arrangement (tandem vs. tridem), suspension type (steel vs. air), tire type (dual vs. wide-base single), and axle loading level. Typical five- and six-axle tractor/semitrailers (483-cm (190-in) tractor and 14.6-m (48-ft) van-semitrailer) were used in this study. |