Dynamic Modelling and Control of Semi-Trailer Truck

Semi-trailer trucks play a vital role in logistics but face significant safety challenges, with accident rates more than double those of passenger cars and a sixfold increase in fatality risk. This study investigates both passive and active vehicle dynamic control (VDC) strategies to improve the stability of a semi-trailer truck system. The passive method uses a rotational damper at the hitch point, while the active approach applies distributed braking to generate corrective torque. A nonlinear dynamic model is developed using principles of vehicle dynamics, and simulated in MATLAB using Euler integration under various tire cornering stiffness conditions. Simulation results show that semi-trailer truck combined control strategies can stabilize the system under conditions that would otherwise lead to instability.