Prediction and Detection of Jackknifing Problems for Tractor Semi-Trailer

Jackknifing is a stability control loss of a tractor semi-trailer combination which causes the tractor or semi-trailer rotates with respect to the other. When Jackknifing is extended to adjacent lanes, produces many sever accidents. Several methods of evaluation of jackknifing risk and yaw rate are presented. They are based on physical principles which use available sensors. In this paper, the development and preliminary testing of an algorithm which detects jackknifing is described. The algorithm is intended to be used in conjunction with active chassis system to prevent some types of controllability loss. A simple jackknifing model of tractor semi-trailer is presented based on a mathematical approach. Simulation results are compared with results done on heavy vehicle dynamic simulator (Prosper). This simulation program allows the user to determine whether or not jackknifing will occur