DefinePK

Abstract

In order to analyze the vertical dynamic tire loads of a semi-trailer truck acting on road surface equipped with air- and leaf- spring suspension systems, a half- vehicle dynamic model with 12 degrees of freedom is developed under random road excitation. A dynamic load coefficient (DLC) is chosen as objective function and Matlab/Simulink software is used to simulate and analyze the vehicle dynamic model. The performance dynamic wheel load of both air- and leaf- spring suspension systems are analyzed under different operating conditions such as different vehicle speeds, road surface roughness and vehicle loads. The obtained results indicate that the air-spring suspension systems reduced the dynamic tire loads acting on road surface better than the leaf-spring suspension systems under all operating conditions. Especially, the DLC values at all axles with air-spring suspension systems are significantly reduced by 3.72%, 55.91%, 50.53%, 31.47% and 25.45% in comparison with the leaf-spring suspension systems, respectively when vehicle moves on the ISO class B road surface roughness at v=20 m/s and full load.