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Virginia Tech

Autonomous Tractor-Trailer Stopping and Jackknifing Dynamics

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

With autonomy becoming a reality for passenger cars, developing an autonomous for tractor-trailers is the next step for driverless roads. Tractor-trailers are heavy, large, and have a pivot joint between the tractor and trailer that makes the movement between the two more complicated. The purpose of the research presented here is to determine the best forward "looking" perception sensor that will see far out enough for the vehicle to stop in time to avoid hitting an object. In order to determine the best sensor, a review of previous sensors and autonomous vehicle sensors will be explored along with the various perception technology. Additionally, a simulation of a tractor-trailer stopping was created to determine the range necessary for a forward perception sensor and when jackknifing may occur. The best brake type for a tractor-trailer will be recommended as well. Finally, the best forward sensor and senor layout for an autonomous tractor-trailer is made based upon the simulation results for the stopping distance of a tractor-trailer. The work, however, is not fully complete. A discussion of the future work and validation of the sensors selected will give future research goals.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Mechanical Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Mechanical Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2019

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Quartuccio, James Nathan
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Wicks, Alfred L.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Southward, Steve C.
  • Asbeck, Alan T.

Subjects

dc:subject × 7

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:14572
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/90383

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Quartuccio, James Nathan. Autonomous Tractor-Trailer Stopping and Jackknifing Dynamics. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/90383