1996 Volume 58 Issue 2 Pages 65-74
This paper presents theoretical and experimental frequency response analysis of a tractor-trailer combination (TTC). The theoretical analysis uses a linear kinematic vehicle model developed in an earlier study. In the experimental analysis, a simple and accurate method of generating the sinusoidal input is proposed, where the lateral displacement of the center of the tractor front axle is used as the input instead of the front wheel steering angle. The influence of the vehicle dimensions and the path wavelength on the frequency response of the TTC is examined. Theoretical analysis of the frequency response of the TTC to a sinusoidal steer input is also carried out. The study provides useful information on the behavior of the TTC in curved motion.
