The design of a refrigerated semi-trailer using advanced composites

[摘要] A refrigerated semi-trailer was designed to solve manufacturing and operational problems. Thiswas achieved by using advanced pultruded composites. The static and dynamic material responsewas determined. The dynamic loading on the vehicles was also measured and is presented alongwith static load cases. These boundary conditions were used in a finite element model to determinethe structural performance of the trailer. The results show good static performance with someproblem areas which still need attention. Initial poor fatigue performance is improved byincreasing the ultimate shear stress of the material. A fatigue optimisation technique is suggestedfor future use.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University