Trailer Instability Demonstration Model

Authors

Jesse Voelkert, University of the Pacific
Heath Highfield, University of the Pacific
Kevin Webster, University of the Pacific

Lead Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Format

SOECS Senior Project Demonstration

Faculty Mentor Name

Kyle Watson

Faculty Mentor Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract/Artist Statement

In the mechanical engineering subject of kinematics, there is a concept that teaches about the stability of trailers and how a greater tongue weight is desirable. This project is designed to physically demonstrate that by changing only the speed or center of gravity, the system can have drastically different outcomes. This project had three phases. The first phase was to produce a numerical simulation for a cart on a treadmill. The second phase was to build a treadmill that has a variable speed control. The third phase was to build a trailer that has a variable center of gravity and produces results that match the modeled simulation results. The project was successful in creating a treadmill and trailer system that allowed for a variety of stability scenarios to be explored in real time and in the physical world, which could be compared to theoretical outputs produced from equations and software. This project will provide a demonstration tool that can be used in the classroom to reinforce the kinematic concept of trailer instability.

Location

School of Engineering & Computer Science

Start Date

2-5-2015 2:30 PM

End Date

2-5-2015 4:30 PM