Driven by the goal of decreasing emissions and pollutants towards a more sustainable future, the automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transition towards battery-powered electric vehicles. This shift to sustainable transport is fast-paced, and new technical solutions are being offered on a regular basis to fulfil the future needs for electric vehicles, including battery-electric trucks. This continuously necessitates a fast development of the battery-electric truck, along with the cooling system. To validate the cooling system, Scania's preferred approaches are testing and 3D simulations. However, these approaches are time-consuming and cannot match the pace of the design or the development. This thesis addresses the implementation of using 1D Simulations (GT-Suite) to carry out coolant filling simulations as a more efficient approach by studying the filling of the battery cooling system in an electric truck and, later, validating the results obtained with a test rig. In this thesis, different cases were defined, each adding more complexity to the circuit, and the parameters studied were the filling times and the location of air traps. Finally, a case with a closed circuit and running a coolant pump was developed to study the possibilities of devising quicker deaeration techniques for the circuit. The work completed in this thesis may be used as an example of how filling simulations can be performed with GT-Suite. This thesis is a good starting point, exploring a vast potential in using 1D Simulations to simulate the coolant-air interaction in a cooling system. Nonetheless, the findings revealed that GT-Suite v2020 and v2021 lack a robust model to properly simulate the interaction of coolant and air in certain sections of the circuit. In addition, the simulation model failed to obtain a steady-state solution in some cases resulting in discrepancies between the results from the test rig and the simulations. In conclusion, it was found that 1D simulations are not an ideal way forward when individual components of the cooling circuit are being considered, for example, the cooling plates, but are much quicker and seem to be a promising method to get an overview on a system level. / Fordonsindustrin drivs av målet att minska utsläppen och föroreningarna mot en mer hållbar framtid och genomgår en snabb omställning mot batteridrivna elfordon. Övergången till hållbara transporter går snabbt och nya tekniska lösningar erbjuds regelbundet för att möta de framtida behoven av elfordon, inklusive batteridrivna lastbilar. Detta kräver kontinuerligt en snabb utveckling av den batteri-elektriska lastbilen, tillsammans med kylsystemet. För att validera kylsystemet är Scanias föredragna metoder testning och 3D-simuleringar. Dessa tillvägagångssätt är dock tidskrävande och kan inte matcha takten i designen eller utvecklingen. Denna avhandling behandlar implementeringen av att använda 1D-simuleringar (GT-Suite) för att utföra kylvätskefyllningssimuleringar som ett effektivare tillvägagångssätt genom att studera fyllningen av batterikylsystemet i en elektrisk lastbil och senare validera resultaten som erhållits med en testrigg. I denna avhandling definierades olika fall, var och en lägga till mer komplexitet till kretsen, och de undersökta parametrarna var påfyllningstiderna och platsen för luftfällor. Slutligen utvecklades ett fall med en sluten krets och kör en kylvätskepump för att studera möjligheterna att utforma snabbare deaerationstekniker för kretsen. Arbetet i denna avhandling kan användas som ett exempel på hur fyllningssimuleringar kan utföras med GT-Suite. Denna avhandling är en bra utgångspunkt och utforskar en enorm potential i att använda 1D-simuleringar för att simulera kylvätske-luftinteraktionen i ett kylsystem. Resultaten visade dock att GT-Suite v2020 och v2021 saknar en robust modell för att korrekt simulera interaktionen mellan kylvätska och luft i vissa delar av kretsen. Dessutom kunde simuleringsmodellen inte få en steady state-lösning i vissa fall vilket resulterade i skillnader mellan resultaten från testriggen och simuleringarna. Sammanfattningsvis konstaterades det att 1D-simuleringar inte är en idealisk väg framåt när enskilda komponenter i kylkretsen övervägs, till exempel kylplattorna, men är mycket snabbare och verkar vara en lovande metod för att få en översikt på systemnivå.

Though the trucks consist of only 3% of the total registered vehicles in the United States, truck accidents have been a major concern due to the property damage and loss of lives involved. Growth trends show that the truck travel will reach 1 trillion vehicle miles by the end of the year 2000. This increase in truck travel poses a major threat to the safety of both passenger cars and trucks. To improve the safety of the trucks as well as the passenger cars, understanding of the factors affecting the truck safety is essential. Models developed in the past were mostly regression models which tried to relate the truck accidents to the geometry of the highways. But most of these models did not consider all the factors affecting the safety of the trucks. Simulation models were developed in the past to study the dynamic vehicle response to different highway geometry especially, on exit ramps where most of the rollover accidents occur every year. But not enough research was done in the past on the weather and surface conditions affecting the truck safety. The objective of this study is to develop a graphics-based computer simulation model to test the trucks for different geometric features, surface conditions, and truck characteristics on exit ramps and to gain a better understanding of the factors affecting the safety of the trucks. A high-level simulation language SIMSCRIPTII.5 was used in the study to develop a simulation model. To make the model is to understand, graphical windows and animation were included in the model. Three exit ramps were tested in this model. Two of these ramps are existing ramps in southwestern Virginia and they had rollover accidents reported on them in the past. The parameters and other surface and geometric conditions can be changed at any time during the simulation. The model indicated that deceleration lengths provided may not be sufficient for heavy trucks traveling at higher speeds to reduce their speeds to the safe speed limits on the ramps. The posted speed limits may not be suitable for heavy trucks especially when the surface is not dry. The model also indicated that the tractor-semitrailers are more exposed to rollovers than any other type of trucks. / Master of Science

The Road Freight Industry accounts for 1 to 5 percent of most countries GDP (AECOM International Development, 2011). According to e-Natis there was 321 056 Trucks (Heavy load Vehicle GVM > 3500 kg) in South Africa by November 2009 (Arrive Alive, 2009). This relative big industry, according to the statistics, influences most other industries value chains. Vehicles are driven by trucks drivers, making driving trucks their living. These drivers have their own lifestyles and ways that they go about. This study focusses on the risk factors of truck drivers’ lifestyles, especially long-distance truck drivers. This mini-dissertation draws attention to the limited research done on lifestyle risk factors and occupational hazards of long-distance truck drivers in South Africa. Most of the legislation regulating road transport is old and outdated, and any existing legislation is not being enforced. The goal of the study is to draw closer attention to the impact of certain lifestyle risk factors, social behaviours and occupational stressors on the lives of long-distance truck drivers, their close families and communities. The research was based on a comprehensive literature review as well as an empirical investigation done in the Gauteng province. A total of 150 long-distance truck drivers participated in the empirical investigation, by completing anonymous questionnaires. It is the researcher’s hope that this mini-dissertation will aid the betterment of long-distance truck drivers’ lives, general health and to make South African roads safer for all road users. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The Road Freight Industry accounts for 1 to 5 percent of most countries GDP (AECOM International Development, 2011). According to e-Natis there was 321 056 Trucks (Heavy load Vehicle GVM > 3500 kg) in South Africa by November 2009 (Arrive Alive, 2009). This relative big industry, according to the statistics, influences most other industries value chains. Vehicles are driven by trucks drivers, making driving trucks their living. These drivers have their own lifestyles and ways that they go about. This study focusses on the risk factors of truck drivers’ lifestyles, especially long-distance truck drivers. This mini-dissertation draws attention to the limited research done on lifestyle risk factors and occupational hazards of long-distance truck drivers in South Africa. Most of the legislation regulating road transport is old and outdated, and any existing legislation is not being enforced. The goal of the study is to draw closer attention to the impact of certain lifestyle risk factors, social behaviours and occupational stressors on the lives of long-distance truck drivers, their close families and communities. The research was based on a comprehensive literature review as well as an empirical investigation done in the Gauteng province. A total of 150 long-distance truck drivers participated in the empirical investigation, by completing anonymous questionnaires. It is the researcher’s hope that this mini-dissertation will aid the betterment of long-distance truck drivers’ lives, general health and to make South African roads safer for all road users. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the thesis is to compare results obtained from a finite element analysis method (FEM) to experimental results of a 12.2m long semi-trailer driven off-road. Semi-trailers are of great importance in the transport industry. Furthermore, the need to obtain optimum and reliable semitrailers in this crucial stream of industry is indispensable. The work focuses on comparing the two results so that the finite element method may be used as design analysis and redesigning tool as a substitute to testing. The semi-trailer was driven on a relatively rough off-road at different speeds, at 70kmlh, 50kmlh and 40kmlh loaded with about 12 tonnes of brick pallets. The forces at the suspension of the semitrailer and strains at different parts were measured with the help of strain gauges and other data acquisition equipment. A finite element model of the semi-trailer was modelled in Nastran for Windows. The trailer parameters in the finite element were tuned to curve fit the test results. A comparison of the two /' results was made based on the average of absolute values and standard deviation, to verify the validity of the finite element model. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die tesis is om die resultate wat verkry is deur eindige element metodes (EEM) met eksperimentele resultate van 'n 12.2 m lang leunwa wat bestuur is op 'n grondpad te vergelyk. Leunwaens is baie belangrik vir die vervoer industrie. Verder is die behoefte om optimum en betroubare leunwaens in die industrie te vervaardig baie nodig. Die werk fokus daarop om die 2 resultate te vergelyk sodat die EEM gebruik kan word as ontwerp analiese en herontwerp gereedskapstuk en as 'n vervanging vir toetsing. Die leunwa was op 'n redelike rowwe pad teen verskillende snelhede nl. 70km/h, 50km/h en 40km/h met 'n 12 ton baksteen vrag gery. Die kragte by die suspensie van die leunwa en die vervorming by verskillende onderdele is gemeet met behulp van rekstrokies en ander data versamelings toerusting 'n Eindige element model van die leunwa is gemodelleer in "Nastran for Windows". Die sleepwa parameters in die eindige element model is verstel d.m.v krommepassing van die toets resultate. 'n Vergelyking van die 2 resultate is gebasseer op die gemiddelde van die absolute waardes en standaard afwykings, om die geldigheid van die eindige element model te kontroleer.

Wireless technologies and networks are a part of our daily lives and we are surrounded by a constant stream of wireless signals. Unfortunately, there are a lot of limitations. At Toyota Material Handling Europe, future demands and expectations are raising but the technologies available today are not adapting fast enough. Indoor factory environments, moving network nodes and rapidly changing topologies are demanding situations. In this new Internet of Things day and age, transferring information in these challenging environments, the standard master and slave configuration is not enough. This report looks at the specific challenges establishing a wireless communication link between trucks in an indoor factory and warehouse environment. There are many factors to consider. Antennas, noise, frequency bands, different network technologies, propagation and path loss modeling to mention a few. Antennas and on-the-truck antenna positioning require design choices to be made. If we want to benefit from using high gain antennas, positioning is an important factor. Noise, in the highly congested 2.4 GHz band is a problem, especially considering safety critical applications. The license free ISM frequency bands have all different advantages in range, available communication protocols and amount of other technologies sharing the spectrum. The Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee and V2X technologies looked at, tailored to the particular case of a warehouse environment like the Toyota factory, and the final selection relates to potential use case scenarios. Prioritizing, scalability, ad hoc network topologies, low latencies and short connection times together with long range, the new V2X technology building upon the IEEE 802.11p standard stands out. This report evaluates the IEEE 802.11p wireless standard running the ETSI ITS G5 V2X protocol in an indoor factory and warehouse environment. Thanks to Kapsch and their EVK-3300 V2X Evaluation Kit it was possible to evaluate transferring information between nodes, the PSR, and looking at how useful different path loss models are for estimating relative distances between trucks.

Reach truck masts are subjected to oscillations, which have significant impacts on the dynamics of the entire vehicle. Mast oscillations can cause undesirable outcomes in extreme situations and therefore it is desirable to be able to predict these outcomes before they occur. A forklift manufacturer in Mjölby initiated a thesis with the intention to obtain a model that can simulate mast sway for situations where oscillations occur. The objective of the thesis was to create a model of Triplex masts and find dependencies between model parameters and variables such as fork height and load. The thesis was conducted modelling the mast with a rigid multibody approach where torsion springs and dampers were used between mast parts to simulate mast elasticity. Clearance at the connections were considered and included in the model. The obtained model constitutes of 8 parameters that could be tuned to attain different oscillation characteristics. Parametric optimisation was carried out to find optimal sets of parameters for compliance with sway measurement tests with different load and fork height cases.  The thesis has resulted in a model that is able to simulate mast sway with different oscillation characteristics depending on model parameters. Performed parametric optimisation resulted in parameters that reveal useful information about how model parameters depend on load and fork height. The method used for obtaining optimal parameters can likewise be applied to other mast models in order to gain insight into model parameters as functions of load and fork height.

The implementation of an energy recovery system for retreiving otherways wasted energy is an effective method for reducing the overall energy consumption of a mobile machine. In a fork lift, there are two subsystems that can be effectively modified for recovering energy. These are the driveline and the lift/lower function of the mast. This study focuses on the latter by studying a recovery system whose main component is a hydraulic transformer consisting of a hydraulic motor, a variable displacement pump and an induction motor. Since the flow rate/pressure - ratio can be modified, the utilization of the hydraulic transformer enables downsizing of the accumulator volume. However, the decrease of the gas volume leads to an increase in the compression ratio of the accumulator, which in terms leads to higher gas temperatures after charging and consequently to higher thermal losses during holding phase. In order to reduce these losses, a thermally regenerative unit was implemented to the gas volume of an accumulator to reduce the temperature build up during charging. In this study, the effect of improving the thermal characteristics of the accumulator to the efficiency of the whole energy recovery system is investigated by means of measurements.

This research evaluates four options to produce quality axle load data for pavement design: piezoelectric WIM sites (corrected and uncorrected data), static weigh scales, and a piezo-quartz WIM site. The evaluation applies four data quality principles: data validity, spatial coverage, temporal coverage, and data availability. While all principles are considered, the research contributes in the development and application of an integrated and sequential approach to assess data validity of the options by performing analyses to determine the precision and accuracy of axle load measurements. Within the context of Manitoba, the evaluation reveals that data produced by piezo-quartz and static weigh scales have superior validity, with piezo-quartz data offering better temporal coverage, data availability, and future geographic coverage. Ultimately, the selection of the best option for providing quality axle load data depends on the relative importance of data quality principles for producing data supporting sound pavement designs and infrastructure management decisions. / May 2017

Class of 2009 Abstract / OBJECTIVES: Truck drivers one of the most vital components of a country’s economy, and also one of the most medically underserved populations. To date, few studies have explored the healthcare needs of over the road truck drivers. The objective of this study is to determine if a need exists for the creation of a healthcare education program for over the road truck drivers and if retail pharmacy could be an effective setting for such a program. METHODS: A needs assessment analysis was used to examine available literature concerning the healthcare of over the road truck drivers. A multi-question survey was designed to illicit the feasibility of initiating a healthcare education program to over the road truck drivers in a retail pharmacy setting. This survey was administered to third year pharmacy interns, and 67 completed surveys were collected. RESULTS: Statistics from the selected literature showed over the road truck drivers had increased health risks and barriers to receive proper healthcare. Sixty-two percent of the pharmacy interns felt they could help provide healthcare education to over the road truck drivers, but 71% of interns felt that management wanted to have as little time as possible expended providing education and counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Over the road truck drivers are at increased risk of healthcare problems due to the demands of the profession and a healthcare education program is warranted to help