To research the variability of brake performance in truck platoon operations and to provide a new dataset of brake performance data to truck platoon technology providers and to State and Federal agencies.

To date, truck platoon research has primarily been concerned with the operational parameters used to control the following distance of each separate vehicle within the platoon. Previous FMCSA brake performance testing has shown wide variability in stopping distance performance based on variances on the steer, drive, or trailer axles and the amount of weight carried by the tractor semitrailer. While an existing Performance-Based Brake Tester (PBBT) device can be used to determine the overall vehicle brake force in a commercial motor vehicle, it is not an indicator of vehicle stopping distance performance from 60 miles per hour.

This project will focus on the variability of brake performance using the agency’s three test tractor-trailers. Additional 60 mile-per-hour stopping distance testing will be performed on the tractors, utilizing "green" brake friction and burnished brake friction at varying gross vehicle weights.

Final report.

 

FY17 Funding: $450,000

Oak Ridge National Laboratory