Project
Dynamic vehicle tests of a free-floating baffle system in an non-baffled water tank on wildfire suppression vehicles
Year
2006
status
Completed
Researcher
Jim Thomasson (Lead) / Kris Johnson
Other Collaborator(s):
Advisory Member(s):
Abstract
The use of retrofittable tank baffles is an economical way to meet NFPA standards for unbaffled tanks. To measure the effect of surge in baffled and unbaffled tanks, we conducted a series of dynamic vehicle tests for vehicle roll response, stopping distance, load shift, and driver impressions. Measurable differences were small between the baffled and unbaffled tanks but the drivers felt a qualitative difference. Retrofittable baffles in an un-baffled tank are a low-cost method that will reduce surge effect, and improve driver control and confidence.
