R W Radlinski

Bio: R W Radlinski is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Air brake & Emergency brake assist. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 6 citations.

Nhtsa heavy duty vehicle brake research program report no. 1--stopping capability of air braked vehicles volume 1--technical report

Abstract: A number of different types of heavy duty air braked vehicles including buses, trucks, truck tractors and trailers were tested to determine their stopping capability in straight line and turning maneuvers on various types of road surfaces including ice. In addition, the braking force distributions of the vehicles were experimentally determined, several different brake proportioning systems were evaluated and the effect of initial brake temperature on stopping capability was investigated. Results of the testing indicate that stable stopping capability is primarily determined by brake force distribution. If brake force distribution is close to the normal force distribution on the axles of a vehicle, its stopping capability will be optimum; however, if brake force distribution does not match normal force distribution, premature wheel lockup and loss of control will occur before the vehicle is able to achieve full utilization of the friction forces available at the tire/road interface. Brake force distribution on most heavy duty vehicles is fixed at a level that favors the loaded condition and therefore they do not perform as well in the empty condition. In addition, many heavy duty vehicles are "underbraked" on their front steering axles under all operating conditions and would benefit even in the loaded mode if front brake force level was increased. Devices that adjust braking distribution as a vehicle's load changes appear to provide very significant gains in braking performance not only in the straight line stopping situation but also in braking and turning maneuvers.

Spacing and capacity evaluations for different AHS concepts

Abstract: The inter-vehicle separation during vehicle following is one of the most critical parameters of the automated highway system (AHS), as it affects both safety and highway capacity. The trade-off between capacity and safety gives rise to a variety of different AHS concepts and architectures. In this study we consider a family of AHS operational concepts. For each concept we calculate the minimum inter-vehicle spacing that could be used for collision-free vehicle following, under different road conditions. For architectures involving platoons we also use the alternative constraint of bounded energy collisions to calculate the minimum spacing that can be applied if we allowed collisions at a limited relative velocity in case of emergency stopping. The minimum spacing is used to calculate the maximum possible capacity that could be achieved for each operational concept.

Benefits of Front Brakes on Heavy Trucks

Abstract: This paper addresses the issue of front wheel braking on heavy trucks and reviews testing that has been performed over the years dating back to 1948 to evaluate the effect of front brakes on braking performance. It also describes in detail a test and demonstration program on front wheel brakes that was conducted in September 1986. The paper indicates that front wheel brakes have a strong effect on braking performance and that vehicles without front wheel brakes take longer distances to stop and are more likely to lose control in emergency situations. The paper also indicates that the use of front brake pressure limiting valves with typical, current design front brakes degrades vehicle braking performance.