Approaching Effective Parameters of Multi-Trailer Articulated Vehicles in S-Turns with Cosimulation of TruckSim and Taguchi Method

Heavy articulated vehicles have low performance with respect to stability analysis due to their multifaceted geometry and dynamics especially when it comes to non-linear maneuvers. In this study in order to find out which statistical and dynamical factors have the most effect on stability of this type of vehicle without getting involve with their complex mathematical theory, combination of drive simulation and Taguchi method is used. Since the number and variety of factors are extensive, multi-step Taguchi method used. This method applied on values of modified rearward amplifications of each units of vehicle as a criterion of lateral stability. Results show the high effect of suspension and load geometry of Vehicle Units on lateral stability and safety.