Truck Characteristics Research Articles

Study on the environmental benefits of truck parking space for trucks waiting to enter freight terminal - A case study of Gangchen Logistics Park

The gathering effect of trucks at freight terminals and the high emission characteristics of trucks themselves lead to long-term truck queues and serious environmental pollution problems at freight terminals. Repeated stopping and following trucks aggravate the environmental pollution in the terminal. This paper proposes a scheme to plan truck parking spaces during waiting for trucks to enter the freight terminal in order to reduce the repeated stopping of trucks and to quantify the environmental benefits of truck parking spaces in the process. The truck admission process was simulated using the Visual Simulator (VISSIM). The simulation output provided vehicle operating data that was converted into operating mode distribution data using the Python calculation module. Then, the model parameters, including the operating mode distribution, were entered into the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) to calculate the simulation scenario. Gangchen Logistics Park, for example, statistics of the park's 10 months of freight data, the design of freight volume gradually increased by 11 groups of admission simulation experiments, the simulation learned that the park queuing significant, more than 90% probability of queuing, queuing up to a maximum of 203 vehicles, the average queue of 61 vehicles. Then according to the actual road conditions in the park, add a parking lot in the VISSIM simulation. Signal sensing is realized by calling the COM interface of VISSIM through Python to guide the vehicles to park in order and enter the park. Eleven sets of simulation control experiments after designing and planning parking spaces are designed to calculate the pollutant emissions for each simulation scenario separately. The analysis of the emission measurement results shows that the emissions of CO, HC, NOX, and PM10 can be reduced by 1.90%, 7.90%, 9.42%, and 10.55% at the average level of the park's cargo volume. At the park's maximum cargo volume, it is possible to reduce HC, NOX, and PM10 emissions by about one-third. Truck parking space in the truck waiting to drive into the freight terminal process has obvious environmental benefits, queuing significant freight terminals should be reasonably planned truck parking spaces to reduce the freight terminal exhaust emissions pollution.

Real-World Emission Characteristics of Diesel Pallet Trucks under Varying Loads: Using the Example of China

Diesel pallet trucks, a type of heavy-duty diesel trucks (HDDTs), have historically been a vital component in logistics and transport due to their high payload capacity. However, they also present significant challenges, particularly in terms of emissions which contribute substantially to urban air pollution. Traditional HDDTs emission measurement methods, such as engine bench tests and those used in laboratory settings, often fail to capture real-world emission behaviors accurately. This study specifically examines the real-world emission characteristics of diesel pallet trucks exceeding 30 t under varying loads (unloaded, half loaded, and fully loaded) and different road conditions (urban, suburban, and high-speed). Considering that data quality is the key to the accuracy of the scheme, this research utilized a portable emission measurement system (PEMS) to capture real-time emissions data of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and total hydrocarbons (THC). Key findings demonstrate a direct correlation between vehicle load and emission factors, with the emission factors for CO2, CO, and NOX increasing by 39.5%, 105.4%, and 22.7%, respectively, from unloaded to fully loaded states under comprehensive operating conditions. Regression analyses further provide an emission factor prediction model for HDDPTs, underscoring the continuous relationship between speed, load, and emission rates. These findings provide a scientific basis for pollution control strategies for diesel trucks.

Modeling and Experimental Validation of an Off-Road Truck’s (4 × 4) Lateral Dynamics Using a Multi-Body Simulation

In the automotive sector, the use of multi-body software for modeling of existing vehicles has become essential due to its advantages in understanding vehicle dynamics in different situations and improving vehicle performances. This paper aims to model an off-road truck (4 × 4) by using ADAMS software 2020. Several steps must be achieved, including experimentally identifying some truck characteristics such as the mass, center of gravity coordinates, and tire vertical stiffness. The truck features leaf springs in both the front and rear suspensions, which must be validated before their integration into the full model due to their modeling complexity. This validation is performed by comparing the force–displacement characteristics obtained experimentally with simulation results from ADAMS, showing a good agreement. Then, the full truck is modeled in ADAMS software and validated through an experimental test using a repeated double-lane change scenario with two tests for the validation of the truck’s lateral dynamics. The comparison between the results shows a good correlation, validating the multi-body truck model.

Research on a multi-scale emission factor dataset constructing method

This paper proposes a multi-scale emission factor dataset constructing method. Firstly, actual road driving and pollutant emission data of heavy-duty trucks are obtained. Subsequently, a method for dividing multi-scale Bin intervals based on engine load, vehicle speed, and acceleration is proposed to establish suitable multi-scale Bin intervals for the driving characteristics of heavy-duty trucks. Finally, based on the proposed method, an emission factor dataset highlighting typical driving characteristics of heavy-duty trucks is constructed. The research findings will provide government regulatory authorities with more microscopic and multi-scale guidance on motor vehicle emissions.

Организация подачи (транспортировки) огнетушащих веществ на тушение пожаров способом перекачки

Purpose. For the first time ever the article comprehensively considers issues related to water supply (transportation) to the seat of extinguishing large scale fires over long distances. The authors pay special attention to the conditions determining the choice of pumping as a way of supplying water over long distances. Recommendations are given on the choice of water pumping method and its practical implementation at the fire scene. The calculation method of pump and hose systems implemented during pumping and the express method for determining pumping parameters for practical workers are presented. Methods. Based on extinguishing large scale fires data analysis, topical issues on extinguishing agents supply (transportation) by pumping method were identified, analytical calculations of pump-hose systems parameters implemented when pumping water to the seat of extinguishing large scale fires were made, taking into account tactical and technical characteristics of modern fire trucks. Findings. The proposed method (algorithm) allows converting analytical calculations into accurate calculation system (express method) using a spreadsheet or nomograph. For the first time ever the express calculation table shows the dependence of pumping parameters on the distance between the water source and fire source and the water flow rates supplied by fire pressure hoses. This table allows determining the need of water pumping supply to the fire scene and determining the number of pumping stages; number of fire pressure hoses for pumping; pressure on water tenders fire pumps operating in pumping. Express method provides calculation of water pumping parameters from pump to pump via one or two main hose lines. Research application field. Based on this study, the team of authors developed “Recommendations for applying fire departments tactical capabilities at extinguishing fires and conducting emergency rescue operations.” Conclusions. . Knowledge and application of conditions determining the choice of pumping as a method of supplying (transportation) water over long distances, recommendations for choosing a pumping water method, as well as the methodology for calculating hose systems parameters, the number of main fire trucks for supplying fire extinguishing agents to the fire scene by pumping will increase the level of tactical training of the fire chief. The proposed express method for determining the pumping parameters according to the nomograph allows the fire chief and other officials to reduce the time for making managerial decisions and organizing the supply (transportation) of water for fire extinguishment, as well as reduce the area of extinguishing fires and reduce economic and material damage from them.

Determination of the dependencies of the wear influence of the cylindrical brush on the operational characteristics of the garbage truck’s mounted sweeping equipment

The article is dedicated to the establishment of dependencies of the influence of the wear of the cylindrical brush on the operational characteristics of the mounted sweeping equipment of the garbage truck. By using the planning of the second-order experiment with the first-order interaction effects, using the Box-Wilson method, the adequate dependencies of the influence of the wear of the cylindrical brush on the performance characteristics of the mounted sweeping equipment of the garbage truck were determined. It was established that, according to the Student's criterion, among the investigated factors of influence, the wear of the cylindrical brush has the greatest effect on the deformation of the cylindrical brush, and the width of the contact spot has the least influence. The required pressing force of the cylindrical brush is most affected by the width of the contact spot, and the least by the wear of the cylindrical brush. The response surfaces of the target functions are shown – the amount of deformation and the required pressing force of the cylindrical brush and their two-dimensional cross-sections in the planes of influence parameters, which make it possible to visually illustrate the specified dependences of target function data on individual influence parameters. It was established that the wear of the cylindrical brush of 50% of cases leads to an increase in the deformation of the cylindrical brush by 1.3 times, and the necessary force of pressing of the cylindrical brush – by 3.1...3.6 times, depending on the width of the contact spot. It is shown the expediency of conducting further researches of the effect of antifriction materials on the wear of the friction pairs of the mounted sweeping equipment of the garbage truck.

Characterization of Motorcycle Encroachments in the U.S

In 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclist fatalities in the U.S., which is the highest on record. Despite accounting for only 3% of registered vehicles, motorcycles are involved in 42% of fatal guardrail impacts. Roadside safety hardware testing guidelines are outlined in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) for passenger vehicles and large trucks but these procedures do not include any motorcycle impacts. Although international test procedures for roadside hardware prescribe motorcycle crash tests, it is not known if the prescribed test conditions reflect the conditions at which motorcycles depart the roadway in the U.S. A better understanding of the characteristics of motorcycles departing the roadway in the U.S. is needed before the development of motorcycle crash tests. This study used the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 17-88 database to compare the encroachment and impact characteristics of motorcycles, passenger vehicles, single-unit trucks, and tractor-trailer trucks. Motorcycles were found to have a similar distribution of impact angles to passenger vehicles, with an 85th percentile of 24 degrees. The median and 85th percentile impact angle was found to be shallower for tractor-trailer trucks compared with motorcycles and passenger vehicles. Additionally, large trucks and motorcycles were found to roll over at a higher frequency than passenger vehicles. During the first event, almost 80% of motorcycles were upright. By the second event, almost 50% of motorcyclists were separated from the motorcycle. This indicates that a large percentage of riders lose contact with the motorcycle during the first event and are separated during any subsequent events. Based on these results, future motorcycle-barrier tests should consider an upright configuration and an impact angle of 24 degrees.

Analysis of the Actual Usage and Emission Reduction Potential of Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks: A Case Study of a Steel Plant

In order to understand the driving characteristics of electric heavy-duty trucks in practical application scenarios and promote their usage to replace diesel trucks, this study analyzed the actual usage of electric and diesel heavy-duty trucks in a steel factory based on vehicle-monitoring data and remote online monitoring data and estimated the emission reduction potential of the application of electric trucks by using a mileage-based method and the greenhouse gas emission model. The results showed that the electric heavy-duty trucks in the steel factory mostly operated for over 14 h, with a vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) of 50–300 km each day, which could meet most of the demands of the transportation of the steel industry. The average daily energy consumption for most trucks falls within the range of 210–230 kWh/100 km, with higher consumption in winter than in summer, which can save approximately 18–26% in operating costs compared with diesel trucks. It is estimated that the usage of these electric heavy-duty trucks can achieve an annual reduction of 115.8 tons of NOx emissions, 0.7 tons of PM emissions, and 18,000 tons of CO2 emissions. To further promote the application of electric heavy-duty trucks in China, several policy suggestions, such as introducing priority road-right policies, promoting vehicle and battery leasing markets, and exempting zero-emission vehicles during heavy pollution days, were proposed.

Parameter Matching of Power Systems and Design of Vehicle Control Strategies for Mini-Electric Trucks

Mini-electric trucks have been widely used because of their high efficiency and zero emission with the rapid development of electronic commerce and express industry. So, improvement of dynamic performance and economy becomes crucial. The research in this field mainly focuses on passenger vehicles at present. However, most passenger vehicles are front−engine, front-drive vehicles; for mini trucks of front−engine and rear-drive, if the dynamics model of passenger vehicles is applied to mini−electric trucks, the dynamic parameters calculated will not be accurate. To enhance the accuracy of the dynamic parameters of mini-electric trucks, by combining the characteristics of mini trucks, the dynamic parameters are designed, and the types of drive motors and power batteries are selected, the dynamic model of mini−electric trucks is established. To improve the economy, control strategies, with five working modes switching, were established. On this basis, the simulation model is established, and the dynamic and economy simulation analysis and performance test were carried out. In applying the method, the error rate of maximum speed, acceleration time, and maximum gradient between simulation results and test results are 0.641% and 5.63% (15.328%), respectively, proving that the dynamic index has reached the expected value and endurance mileage is up to 295 Km under UDC conditions, increased by 5% after the vehicle control strategy was adopted. The results show that the parameter matching is reasonable and the vehicle control strategy is suitable for mini-electric trucks. The research method and conclusions can provide valuable references for the development of power systems for mini−electric trucks.

To the issue of decomposition of mathematical models of disturbed motion of complex discrete-continuous dynamic systems

Problem. Usually, complex dynamic systems are characterized by a high order of equations in their mathematical models and intricate interconnections among subsystems that constitute the complex dynamic system. Naturally, the analysis and synthesis of complex dynamic systems require the use of powerful computational systems with vast memory and high processing speed. Goal. The aim is quantitative assessment of the influence of the continuum part of a dynamic system on the behavior of its discrete part and the possibility to perform decomposition of the mathematical model of perturbed motion of a discrete-continuum system based on this assessment. Methodology. The measures are aimed at addressing issues that are based on the discrete-continuum capabilities and their decomposition. Results. For three types of complex dynamic systems described by infinite-dimensional systems of ordinary differential equations, quantitative assessments of the influence of the continuum part on the discrete part of the system have been proposed. These assessments determine the decomposition of the mathematical models of perturbed motion for such systems. Originality. Simplified mathematical models for three types of discrete-continuous dynamic systems were obtained. Practical value. The obtained results can be recommended for the study of the specialized course on the motion characteristics of cargo trucks during the transportation of liquids in tanks. Through optimization using the MATLAB software package, it is possible to simulate various parameters of both the cargo truck and the cargo being transported.

Vibration Characteristics of Concrete Pump Trucks with Multiple Postures and Multiple Conditions Based on the Secondary Development of HyperWorks

Due to the excitation generated by the periodically alternate pumping of dual-hydraulic cylinders, vibration of concrete pump trucks (CPT) occurs. Excessive boom vibration will seriously affect the service life and operation safety of CPT. At the same time, the long boom structure of a CPT makes it very sensitive to the posture and pumping conditions, which directly affect the vibration characteristics of CPT in different postures and different working conditions. This paper establishes a finite element model of a type of CPT. Through force analysis of concrete in the straight pipe and elbow pipe during the pumping and reversing stages, an excitation model of the conveying pipe is established. Based on the secondary development of HyperWorks, a finite element model of CPT with multiple postures is built, and the dynamic response under multiple conditions is analyzed. Finally, the accuracy of the finite element model of CPT and the excitation model of the conveying pipe is verified by experiment.

The Integrated Scheduling Optimization for Container Handling by Using Driverless Electric Truck in Automated Container Terminal

With the increasing maturity of automatic driving technology, the commercial value of driverless container trucks has been gradually excavated. Compared with social roads, the internal roads in the port area have certain practicing advantages. By taking into account the operational characteristics of the driverless electric container truck and the coordination of quay and yard cranes, this paper aims to explore the configuration and optimized scheduling model of the driverless electric container truck with the objective of minimizing overall energy consumption. The results show that the optimized allocation and scheduling of driverless electric trucks can minimize the total energy consumption of terminal operation without delaying the shipping schedule, and has obvious advantages over traditional manual driving diesel trucks and Automated Guided Vehicles in terms of operation efficiency, economy, and sociality. The results can also provide certain decision-making reference for the selection of horizontal transportation equipment and collaborative scheduling of multi-type loading and unloading equipment resources of container terminal operators.

Impact of crosswinds and truck weight on rollover propensity when negotiating combined curves

The share of freight transportation is increasing on Wyoming’s roads. These roads are characterized by challenging mountainous terrain and severe crosswinds. The stability of freight trucks in such conditions is of great concern to transportation agencies. Therefore, high-fidelity vehicle dynamics simulation modeling was implemented to investigate the rollover propensity of trucks navigating curves. Scenarios included various road geometric designs, truck characteristics and wind conditions. A multiple linear regression model was also developed to investigate the impact of key parameters on truck rollover propensity. The modeling results indicated that wind speed and direction were influential factors in terms of truck roll stability. Trucks had a 76% higher chance of rolling over when subjected to 40 mph winds relative to being subjected to 20 mph winds assuming all else was unchanged. This study also demonstrated that the most unfavorable wind direction was not perpendicular (90 degrees) to the truck since the truck would continuously change its orientation when traversing combined horizontal and vertical curves. Its speed would also constantly fluctuate. On the contrary, this study’s results indicated that the 120-degree wind direction was the most critical one. Also, under blowing lateral wind conditions, the gross weight of the truck was found to be a contributing factor to rollover risk. Its impact varied depending on the radius of the horizontal curve the truck was navigating. This critical interaction was ignored in the road safety literature. This study offered new insights about the impacts of truck rollover precursors and, hence, this would lead to the proposition of effective truck safety countermeasures.

Route planning and benefit assessment of container drayage platooning considering truck laden-or-empty state

This study investigates the local container drayage problem in semi-automated platooning mode, focusing on the effect of laden-or-empty state of trucks on platoon fuel consumption. The fuel economy characteristics of platoon trucks are described according to the change in the laden-or-empty state of the truck after the platoon serves the customer while considering the sequence of the truck in the platoon. Accordingly, a mixed integer linear programming model for the truck and driver route planning problem is developed, and the lower bound of the problem is analyzed. A simulated annealing algorithm is designed to solve the problem efficiently. Finally, a series of numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, assess the benefits of the platooning mode considering truck laden-or-empty state, and analyze the influences of some key parameters.

Design and Assessment of an Urban Circular Combined Truck–Drone Delivery System Using Continuum Approximation Models and Integer Programming

The analysis of tandem truck–drone delivery systems has recently attracted the attention of the research community, mainly focused on extending classical operational research problems such as the multiple traveling salesperson or the vehicle-routing problem. In this paper, we explore the design of an urban massive combined delivery system using a continuum approximation (CA) method for a circular city characterized by a certain density of customers. Starting from a set of parameters defining the main characteristics of trucks and drones, a sectorization of the delivery area is first determined. Then, for a given truck capacity, the optimal number of trucks is obtained considering different scenarios using three integer programming models. We propose several performance indicators to compare the tandem approach with the alternative solely truck delivery system.

Mixed Freight Dynamic Routing Using a Co-Simulation Optimization Approach

The current freight transportation network is highly unbalanced as routing decisions are made by individual users without coordination. Certain routes may become congested when chosen based on current traffic information without any anticipation that if other users do the same, these routes may become congested. In this paper we show how a centrally coordinated load balancing system that considers all vehicles to be diesel can take into account electric trucks as mixed fleets. The electric trucks impose additional constraints due to the limitation of range, charging time of batteries as well as the dependency of the battery charge on traffic conditions. The use of a co-simulation approach as part of the system accounts for these nonlinear dependencies and provides more realistic cost estimates for the optimization part. Traffic simulation results using a realistic road network reveal the benefits of applying load balancing and show that as the number of electric trucks increases, the emissions reduce; however, due to the cost of charging, their operational costs are not necessarily less than those of the corresponding diesel trucks. For the electric trucks to compete with diesel, charging should occur when drivers are off duty since the cost of charging includes the labor cost of the waiting driver. It is also shown that a centrally coordinated truck routing system that considers the characteristics of electric trucks in mixed fleets can reduce the operational cost of trucks and encourage the deployment of electric trucks in order to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Analysis of Variations in Tub Cover Tarpaulin Shape Against Airflow Patterns and Pressure Distribution Characteristics on Pickup Trucks with the Addition of Roof Deflector

This study aims to analyze the airflow pattern and pressure distribution characteristics of a pickup truck with a roof deflector added. with an angle of curvature of 20° and is accompanied by the installation of a tarpaulin cover on the body of the pickup truck. The method used in this study is an experimental method by testing 6 specimens, namely a pickup truck added with a roof deflector without using a tarp or baseline, a pickup truck added with a roof deflector fitted with a tonneau cover tarp (type A), aerocap tarpaulin with an angle of 0° (type B). and 12° (type C), and cincing type tarpaulin with a foot angle of 15° (type D) and 30° (type E) in a wind tunnel with a speed of 5.47 m/s. The more aerodynamic the use of tarpaulin, the more the blockage mass will be reduced so that it can produce a streamlined flow pattern. The results showed that the pickup truck added with a roof deflector with a 15° cincing tarp had a stable Cp value fluctuation at the rear of the pickup truck, while the pickup truck added a roof deflector with a 12° aerocap tarp. as well as produce aerodynamic flow thereby reducing the occurrence of blockage mass and obstacles.

An empirical study on heterogeneous traffic car-following safety indicators considering vehicle types

Considering different car-following characteristics of trucks and cars, this study verifies the heterogeneity of steady car-following behavior of four leader-follower vehicle-type combinations based on the naturalistic driving dataset. The best-fit distribution model of surrogate safety indicators (i.e., distance headway (DHW), time headway (THW), time to collision (TTC) and safety margin (SM)) of four combinations are identified. Then, the performance of surrogate safety indicators in various speed ranges is compared to select a homeostatic risk perception indicator. After that, the longitudinal control model is calibrated for four combinations. Results show that the heterogeneity of different leader-follower vehicle-type combinations has been confirmed by surrogate safety indicators and calibrated parameters of the longitudinal control model. SM is suitable as the homeostatic risk perception indicator for four combinations when the speed is less than 90 km/h, and the advised safety warning SM value of is 0.9 or 0.95 for four combinations.

Impact of mountainous interstate alignments and truck configurations on rollover propensity

Introduction: Combined horizontal and vertical alignments are frequently utilized in mountainous interstates in Wyoming. The roll stability of trucks on these challenging terrain conditions is of great concern for transportation officials. The impact of curve characteristics combined with truck configurations has not been considered in the literature due to data availability issues related to the weight and Center of Gravity (CG) payload height of trucks. Method: High-fidelity vehicle dynamics simulation modeling is employed to investigate the rollover propensity of trucks navigating curves of varying geometric design and truck characteristics. A multinomial regression model was then developed to further quantify the impact of these key factors and the effect of their interactions on rollover safety margins. Results: It was shown that complying with the assigned speed limits of the curved roadways is not enough to navigate a curve without experiencing a rollover under some circumstances. The CG payload height and the operating speeds have the highest impact on the safety margins of a truck rollover. Steeper downgrades would amplify the impact of the gross weight of a truck. Tighter curves would also raise the impact of the truck configurations. Conclusions: This study assessed the curve speed limits and revealed that the exciting approach to assigning safe speed limits should be modified according to the aforementioned factors. For the first time, findings from this study shed light on the direction and magnitude of the impact of the truck configurations coupled with curve features that contribute to truck rollover safety margins. Practical Applications: This study revealed the impact of truck configurations on the roll stability of trucks and pointed out critical cases that should be treated very cautiously by drivers. This assists transportation agencies in assigning more appropriate speed limits of curved roadways according to truck conditions.

Real-world gaseous emission characteristics of natural gas heavy-duty sanitation trucks

As compared to conventional diesel heavy-duty vehicles, natural gas vehicles have been proved to be more eco-friendly due to their lower production of greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, which are causing enormous adverse effects on global warming and air pollution. However, natural gas vehicles were rarely studied before, especially through on-road measurements. In this study, a portable emission measurement system (PEMS) was employed to investigate the real-world emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) (nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2)), total hydrocarbons (THC), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) from two liquified natural gas (LNG) China V heavy-duty cleaning sanitation trucks with different weight. Associated with the more aggressive driving behaviors, the vehicle with lower weight exhibited higher CO2 (3%) but lower NOx (48.3%) (NO2 (78.2%) and NO (29.4%)), CO (44.8%), and THC (3.7%) emission factors. Aggressive driving behaviors were also favorable to the production of THC, especially those in the medium-speed range but significantly negative to the production of CO and NO2, especially those in the low-speed range with high engine load. In particular, the emission rate ratio of NO2/NO decreased with the increase of speed/scaled tractive power in different speed ranges.