Analysis of the Dynamic Performance of a Special Purpose Trailer by Modeling and Simulation

This study was performed to analyze the performance of a special purpose trailer for use on roads. This was done by creating a multibody dynamics model of the track launch and recovery system (TLARS) as well as a military truck capable of towing it using TruckSim. The performance was analyzed by comparing key performance measures in various manoeuvres to known standards. The manoeuvres consisted of a low-speed turn, a high-speed turn, and a high-speed lane change. Values that were measured and compared to standards included off-tracking, load transfer ratio, rearward amplification, static roll threshold, and outswing values. The multibody dynamics model was also validated through some physical testing. The TLARS, as well as the military truck, were brought to a test site where some manoeuvres could be performed in order to tune some model parameters and compare outputs between the simulation and physical tests. Furthermore, a tilt table was built in TruckSim in order to simulate a tilt table test. This model was also validated using a physical test. The results of this study included an accurate trailer model that lined up well with physical test results. The results also showed limited trailer stability in high-speed manoeuvres.