Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--Universitiy of Michigan, 1942.

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.P.H.)--Universitiy of Michigan, 1942.

This thesis explores the use of lightweight composite materials in road freight trailer design as a means of reducing the emissions of the road freight industry. A comprehensive review of previous lightweight composite trailers and related projects was conducted; it concluded that the application of composites in trailers to-date has largely been limited by relatively high material and production costs. The review highlighted that the trailer industry could learn from the success of composites in the bridge construction industry. A statistical weight analysis of two road freight fleets and an energy consumption estimation, via a drive cycle analysis, were used to identify trailers that are particularly suited to lightweighting. Hardwood trailer decking was identified as a prime subcomponent for composite replacement. However, there is little literature on how conventional hardwood trailer decks react to in-service loadings. This problem was addressed through a comprehensive deck damage study, which was used to benchmark novel lightweight deck systems. Several lightweight replacement composite sandwich panels were designed, built and tested. Two different pultruded GFRP decks were also examined. While pultrusions do not offer the same level of weight savings as sandwich panels, the highly cost-driven nature of the trailer industry could dictate that their integration is the most reasonable first step to introducing composites into structural subcomponents. The final part of the thesis explores options for lightweighting the trailer chassis holistically. Trailer load cases were investigated through finite element modelling in Abaqus. A parametric model of a typical longitudinal trailer I-beam was developed using Python scripting and Abaqus. The model was expanded to analyse composite trailer structures. It showed that approximately 1,300 kg of weight could be saved by shape and material optimisation in a composite trailer. In summary, this research has shown that short-term trailer weight reductions can be effectively achieved through subcomponent replacement, while more significant reductions can be achieved in the long-term by a ‘clean slate’ composite redesign of the trailer chassis. The lightweighting strategies presented here are poised to have an increasingly important role in reducing the emissions of the road freight industry.

The effect of configuration changes and add-on devices on the drag reduction of a tractor-trailer is studied through wind tunnel tests using two 1/12-scale models. The configuration changes involve ground clearance, tractor-trailer gap, roof angle and back inclination while add-on devices include flow deflectors, skirts and gap seals. Moving surface boundary layer control as a means of drag reduction is also attempted. Both drag and pressure data are obtained to help identify local contributions. Results suggest that an optimum combination of configuration parameters can reduce drag up to 17% while the add-on devices resulted in a further decrease by a modest amount. The results with moving surface boundary layer control proved to be inconclusive. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Mechanical Engineering, Department of / Graduate

D.Econ. / The objective of this study is to define the marketing problems and opportunities of the caravan park industry of South Africa in its total operational environment. An important secondary aim was an analysis of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of caravan park users in order to provide a basis for market segmentation and targeting. The scope of this study was limited mainly to the existing white campers in South Africa. The macro-, market- and resources environments were then evaluated and subsequently, aspects pertaining to the planning of a marketing policy and strategy were investigated. As regards the methods, a conventionally structured questionnaire was used as the major research method. Completion of the questionnaire by 411 respondents was achieved with users at caravan parks throughout South Africa. A major recommendation, is that the heterogenic characteristics of caravan park users in South Africa offer an opportune base for effective segmentation of their markets. The basic motives why people camp, can serve as the ideal platform to identify economic viable clusters in themarket, From this point, a differentiated total product concept can be developed to achieve a desired rate of return in addition to camper satisfaction. The economic climate, potentially, has a serious effect on camper spending and behaviour. Caravan parks should develop operating systems to ease payment by customers. This could make camping more affordable and thereby decrease the risk factor for parks during periods of recession. Caravan park managers must seek a closer relationship with caravan manufacturers in research projects, planning developments and in monitoring marketing trends to enable them to sinchronize the technical development in the industry. Government institutions and agencies should define the aims of their roles in this industry, and restructure the involvement between the public and private sector in terms of the control and ownership of caravan parks. The caravan park industry has several differential advantages on their competitors which can effectively be incorporated in an integrated marketing program. The main advantage is the better satisfaction of needs such as family-togetherness, social interaction, nature-orientation, escape, peace and quietness, "real" change of pace and lifestyle, and the rlexlbllitv in holiday pattern. The present strategies and the marketing approach of the caravan park managers in South Africa can, in general, be improved. Training and orientation programs should be implemented by government to stimulate the improvement of the quality of campers' satisfaction. This strategy could place the industry on a financially more sound base, whereby the level of products, service, facilities and programs could be increased. Periodic evaluation by management of this industry within its total controllable and uncontrollable' environmental settings is essential for future planning. Long-term growth can only occur if the industry identifies its problems and exploits every opportunity to achieve its aims more effectively. The caravan park industry is underdeveloped in the South African business environ. ment. It needs a more professional approach from all parties involved to create the platform from where it can proceed on the road to become a vital and prosperous industry in the tourism sector. The findings of this study especially point at some means by which the caravan park industry can be promoted and be made more effective and satisfying from the users' point of view, and more profitable for the entrepreneurs involved in this sensitive and complicated area of private enterprise. In order to achieve this aim, the main strategy to be followed should involve regular evaluation and forecasting of the macro and market environments. Knowledge and trends should be obtained to segment the market on a geographic, demographic, psychographic basis.' Market segmentation is necessary to determine why, where, what, when, how, who and how much do the market segments buy. This quantitative and qualitative information must be used to identify opportunities and problems in the market, which a caravan park with strong and weak points should exploit. Effective target marketing should be done to form a basis to formulate a product-, distribution-, tariff-, and marketing communication strategy to fit the specific park objectives

This diploma thesis deals with the strength analysis of three-axle frame for containers with driving drum. Total weighth of the trailer is 27 000 kg. Finite elemenths method was used for this calculation in programme I-DEAS. Dangerous parts of the construction were examined and their optimization was proposed. The final part consists of the drawing documentation of the recomended design changes.

The aim of my dissertation on the subject of raids on trailer for transport of construction equipment is to propose a functional concept of rear split folding ramps for trailer construction machines with tracked and wheeled landing gear. Raids are designed as a two-part, hydraulically tilting. With an appropriate mechanism to ensure a correct function of the ramp end part at tilting. Maximum weight of the machine is 21 000 kg and departure angle is 10 °. This thesis was composed with cooperation SVAN ltd.

The theme of this thesis is the design of caravan. The proposal includes the ergonomics and technical requirements relevant to the topic and seeks a solution with the original shape. The conceptual idea is to provide facilities for camping outside the home and the possibility of combining several units into a functional complex with the help of retractable awnings.

This thesis deals with the conceptual design of a trailer for transportation of Formula car SAE and experimental vehicle Formula Ford. The design of the trailer is presented in the thesis in accordance with the legislation of the Czech Republic. The trailer dimensioning is desinged in view of the anticipated loads. The main task of the thesis is the strength test of the designed trailer.