The aim of this paper is to present the dynamic behaviour modelling performed for a forklift truck and the validation of this model. The intention is to develop a permanent tool allowing both common and critical driving situations (especially that of lateral tip-over) to be simulated for this type of vehicle. The medium-term aim is to use this model as a tool to facilitate designing, training and preparing safety standards with a view to reducing the number of accidents related to this machine, which, on average, still cause nearly 10 deaths each year. This paper describes the forklift truck mechanical model and the tyre model. A Pacejka's lateral tyre model was used and integrated into the forklift truck model. The interacting forces and moments between the wheels and the ground are, therefore, computed at all times. Test bench-measured data, characteristic of the dynamic behaviour of several tyres, were used to identify the parameters of the Pacejka model. We studied the limits of this model adapted in this case to tyres with characteristics different from those of the car sector. Track testing was performed using a safe-test forklift truck. The purpose of these tests was to measure trajectory characteristics (velocity, position, acceleration and slip angle) and to compare them with model-based predictions, allowing validation of the robustness and accuracy of this model. Situations involving partial (up to 15 • ) tip-over were included. The quantities measured during testing were compared with the calculation results obtained for identical driving configurations. There was a close calculation/measurement correlation when performing a wide 'J-turn' (with and without tip-over) when following circular or slalom trajectories. The calculation/measurement correlation was less close when the forklift truck performed a sharp 'J-turn', for example. Model limits can be derived from the observations, data processing and calculations.

No abstract

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to determine the best procedure for predicting the discomfort caused by multi-axis vibration. In the laboratory experiment, 11 seated subjects compared single-axis vibration in one axis to single-axis vibration in another axis, and compared dual-axis vibration to single-axis vibration. In the field experiment, 22 lorry drivers rated the discomfort of 16 different rides. The results show that the best procedure for predicting the discomfort is to combine the vibration inputs by taking the square root of the sum of squares of the weighted r.m.s. values of the vibration in each axis.

No abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of a semiactive suspension of the cabin of a fork lift truck as a way of reducing the effect of harmful vibrations on the health of truck drivers. A suspension based on MR fluid dampers has been designed and implemented on an actual vehicle and heuristic control strategy has been developed, which preserves the filtering properties of the passive suspension when the vehicle moves in a straight line with a constant velocity and suppresses the large amplitude pitch and roll motion during turns and braking. Field tests have demonstrated a substantial comfort improvement with respect to the passive suspension, during the braking and turning phases, without any noticeable detrimental effects.