The Effect of Mass and Mass Distribution on Trailer Stability
The problem for this experiment was to determine the effect of mass and mass distribution on trailer stability. This would make driving on roads at high speeds safer for vehicles that have trailer attachments and other vehicles on the road. The reason for researching this experiment was to find the best combination of factors that would result in the smallest angle from the yaw axis of the trailer. With many distractions and hazards on the roads, finding a solution could reduce accidents. A makeshift trailer attachment and a scale truck on a treadmill was used to determine which mass and mass distribution would cause the smallest angle displacement of the trailer from the yaw axis. To perform this experiment, a trailer was constructed with Legos with three different sections on the trailer where the mass was put. This trailer was then attached to the Ram Power Wagon truck where it was then put on the treadmill and tied down with weights to restrict movement of the truck. The treadmill was then turned on and the trailer was hit with the bass pedal on the side nearest the back wheel. The angle of sway was recorded with a slow-motion camera and analyzed in GeoGebra. A two-factor design of experiment was used to test if there was a factor that significantly affected the displacement of the trailer. After comparing the effects of each factor, mass and mass distribution, to twice the range of standards, mass distribution was found to be statistically significant. The average of the effects was used to find the smallest angle and it was determined that front distribution and 300 g mass caused the trailer to sway the least with an angle of sway of 12.74° from the yaw axis.
Research Conducted By:
Alan Bladecki
Center Line High School
Alexander Penucevski
Center Line High School
Warren Consolidated Schools