A. Jafari, Sh. Azadi, M. Samadian,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2013)
Abstract
The directional response and roll stability characteristics of a partly filled tractor semi-trailer vehicle, with
cylindrical tank, are investigated in various maneuvers. The dynamic interaction of liquid cargo with the
tractor semi-trailer vehicle is also evaluated by integrating a dynamic slosh model of the partly filled tank
with five-degrees-of-freedom of a tractor semi-trailer tank model. The dynamic fluid slosh within the tank
is modeled using three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with volume-of-fluid equations and
analysed using the FLUENT software. The coupled tank-vehicle model is subsequently analysed to
determine the roll stability characteristics for different maneuvers. The results showed the interaction of
fluid slosh with vehicle's dynamic. Another findings of this investigation also revealed that the roll stability
of a tractor semi-trailer tank carrying liquid was highly affected by fluid sloshing and caused degradation of
roll stability in comparison with vehicle carrying rigid cargo.
