Analysis of model for assessing the road train movement stability

In this paper, we conduct a mathematical analysis of the model of ensuring the road trains movement stability by changing the design of coupling devices to determine the critical characteristic parameters of the road trains, which result in the loss of en-route directional stability under external action. The concept of the model was to separate the process of yawing of the road trains and its elements (due to external perturbing action) on the highway into several typical stages. The main parameters of the stages (the displacement amplitude and rotation angle of the road trains elements in relation to the driving direction) were determined based on the initial conditions of the road trains movement, the force and duration of the external action. The most dangerous areas of external action application to the road trains were determined in this paper. The maximum permissible exposure limit should not exceed 0.5-1.0% of the road trains trailer momentum, with duration having the greater effect than the amount of impact. The results obtained can be used in mechanical engineering to improve the road trains performance. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.