Determination of Trailer Stability Through Simple Analytical Methods and Test Procedures 790186
This paper provides approximate factors, measurement techniques, and test procedures that can be used to determine trailer stability. The recommended performance metric is damping ratio, or an equivalent cycle to half amplitude which is evaluated, via a pulse-steer procedure, at some reference speed. A minimum damping ratio criteria of 0.15 at 55 mph is suggested and compared to the results of recent full scale tests. The approach is useful in selecting a minimum value of hitch load (for various weight tow cars) that will insure a minimum acceptable level of trailer stability at highway speeds.
Citation: Klein, R. and Szostak, H., "Determination of Trailer Stability Through Simple Analytical Methods and Test Procedures," SAE Technical Paper 790186, 1979, https://doi.org/10.4271/790186. Download Citation
Author(s):
Richard H. Klein, Henry T. Szostak
Affiliated:
Systems Technology, Inc., Hawthorne, CA
Pages: 7
Event:
1979 Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Also in:
Dynamics of Wheeled Recreational Vehicles-SP-0443
Related Topics:
Test procedures
Trailers
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