Stability Control on Tractor Semi-Trailer during Split-Mu Braking

Abstract

Handling behaviour of articulated vehicles combination is more complex and less predictable than that of non-articulated vehicles. It is usually difficult for drivers to maneuver a tractor semi-trailer during high speed emergency braking on split-mu road surface. Braking on this type of road surface, the conventional anti-lock braking systems will cause the vehicle deviate from the desired direction, or overmuch stopping distance. In this paper, a 3-dof of tractor semi-trailer model was used to produce desired yaw rates which were compared with actual yaw rates. An active front steering control and four-channel ABS were integrated to improve the tractor semi-trailer lateral stability while braking on split-mu road surface, which will produce maximum braking force. A full function tractor semi-trailer model was built and assembled in multi-body dynamics software, and the dynamic analysis was performed on split-mu road surface. The simulation results show that the integrated system can improve the tractor semi-trailer lateral stability under braking on split-mu road surface.