Evaluation of Bulk Cargo Dynamics in the ACTS Intermodal Container

Abstract

To ensure safety during transport within the intermodal chain, it is important to identify possible dynamic events that could affect the cargo. In the case of bulk cargo in an ACTS (Abroll-Container-Transport-System) container, the dynamics of the cargo and the vehicle vary during normal events such as braking, steering, evasive maneuver and the like. In this research, we used MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors to identify the parameters of acceleration at various points of container and to evaluate its impact on the cargo and vehicle. During the research, we also found out how the load of individual axles of the vehicle changed after performing normal dynamic events. One of the objectives was also to find out how parameters such as braking distance, braking time and mean fully developed deceleration (MFDD) change in the case of and empty and loaded ACTS container, as well as correlation analysis of values gathered from sensors placed on different parts of the container. The acquired knowledge can be used in the distribution and securing the cargo.