Visual inspections of selected semitrailers during routine equipment checks revealed that the kingpin bent in the direction of 180 degrees from the direction that the semitrailer is towed. Confirmation from semitrailer repair facilities found that in some cases the semitrailer’s supporting structure developed unexpected cracks. These cracks were not thought to be age related but were most likely caused by high stresses from unknown high loads. In an effort to determine the forces at the kingpin and fifthwheel, TruckSim® modeling and simulation software was utilized to predict the forces in all three directions during various operating maneuvers. Computer simulations suggest the largest forces are experienced during coupling operations as opposed to severe maneuvering or braking. The development of a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model of the tractor-semitrailer coupling determined that high coupling speeds would overload the kingpin-fifthwheel structure. The FEA model also allowed researchers to determine that a damping system would lower the forces at the kingpin-fifthwheel interface to the magnitude of forces experienced during normal operations. A literature search found no valid documented tests, and determined the SAE J133 kingpin loading requirements were incorrect.
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ASME 2007 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference
September 4–7, 2007
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Design Engineering Division and Computers and Information in Engineering Division
ISBN:
0-7918-4804-3
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Prediction of Kingpin/Fifthwheel Forces for Tractor-Semitrailers During Typical Operating Maneuvers
Brent Shoffner
,
Brent Shoffner
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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James Allen, II
,
James Allen, II
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Moustafa El-Gindy
,
Moustafa El-Gindy
Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
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Wayne Evenson
,
Wayne Evenson
TITAN Systems Corporation, Washington
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Mario A. Scaglione
Mario A. Scaglione
Naval Surface Warfare Center - Indian Head Detachment, Earle, NJ
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Brent Shoffner
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
James Allen, II
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Moustafa El-Gindy
Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
Wayne Evenson
TITAN Systems Corporation, Washington
Mario A. Scaglione
Naval Surface Warfare Center - Indian Head Detachment, Earle, NJ
Paper No:
DETC2007-34062, pp. 1027-1040; 14 pages
Published Online:
May 20, 2009
Citation
Shoffner, B, Allen, J, II, El-Gindy, M, Evenson, W, & Scaglione, MA. "Prediction of Kingpin/Fifthwheel Forces for Tractor-Semitrailers During Typical Operating Maneuvers." Proceedings of the ASME 2007 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference. Volume 3: 19th International Conference on Design Theory and Methodology; 1st International Conference on Micro- and Nanosystems; and 9th International Conference on Advanced Vehicle Tire Technologies, Parts A and B. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. September 4–7, 2007. pp. 1027-1040. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2007-34062
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