Numerical Simulation of Truck Transportation

Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of truck transportation involve random vibration which requires statistical and spectrum analysis. To simulate truck transportation, the motion of a truck trailer is first recorded by mounting accelerometers on the floor of the trailer or on the framework of beams that support it. The floor accelerations in the vertical direction are sampled at regular intervals over the route that is to be simulated. This information is used to create a power spectral density plot (PSD) which contains frequency and amplitude information. The PSD plot is used to drive a vibration table with the product on it following the ASTM D4728 standard test guideline. To operate the table, we generate an acceleration input from the known PSD plot. We can also investigate the response of a product on the table by modeling the product as a mass-spring-damper system with known natural frequency and damping ratio. With the help of fatigue tools the results can be used in the damage assessment of the product during the truck ride.