Off-road Vehicle Rollover and Field Testing of Stability Index

Abstract

Off-road vehicles are often operated in unstable situations and on rough terrain where operators may be subjected to high-risk conditions. Tractor stability and the reduction of injuries related to tractor rollovers are areas that need to be addressed. This article presents typical tractor rollover tests and analyzes tractor stability in terms of the stability index developed by authors. Three radio-controlled tractors were used to complete the tests. Tractors? dynamic state variables, such as roll and pitch angles, roll and pitch velocities, and ground speed, were recorded by the measuring system of tractor stability developed by authors, concurrently the image from videotape was used to identify the stability status of the tractors. The effect of velocity, ramp height, slope, and turning radius on tractor stability was studied. Rotation velocities can also significantly contribute to tractor rollover. The results indicate the validity of the stability index model. Language: en