Effect of Cargo Shifting on Vehicle Handling

DOT-FH-11-9195The objective of the program was to determine in full-scale testing how dynamic cargo shifting affects the stability of articulated trucks and establish the severity of the problem for two cases: (1) sloshing of liquid cargo and (2) swinging of hanging meat. Two tasks (A and B) were accomplished. Task A, Planning and Preparation, was devoted to obtaining information on hanging meat and liquid cargo loading procedures; identifying representative test vehicles on the basis of industry usage, accident exposure, and mileage accumulation; and developing the test plans, procedures, and instrumentation. Task B, Conduct of Tests, was devoted to preparing the vehicles and instrumentation; mounting the instrumentation and performing necessary calibrations; driver selection, training, and system orientation; conducting the tests; and data acquisition and analysis