Simulation-based investigation of active trailer stabilization for use in utility trailers

Abstract

In contrast to caravans, utility trailers have a high variability in geometry and weight (different loading). This is a major challenge in the development of a system for active stabilization if the trailer starts snaking. For this task, simulation is a very useful tool. The article first describes the step-by-step process of the targeted selection of trailers for the following simulations by using theoretical considerations based on the single-track model. Subsequently, the performance evaluation, carried out by means of dynamic simulations in the framework DYNA4, is explained. The study also includes a sensitivity analysis in order to identify dominant influencing parameters. Finally, some selected simulation results are presented.