Trying to Find Center of Gravity on Semi Truck (a real one)

[Saladsamurai]

Trying to Find Center of Gravity on Semi Truck (a real one)!

Homework Statement

For one of my classes I have to prove, using very basic physics, that a scene from a movie is very unrealistic. So my group chose the "truck flip scene" from Batman Dark Knight.

I am desperately searching to fond a site that can provide me with the approximate location of the center of gravity of a tractor-trailer truck. I don't care what kind of truck or whether it is filled to capacity or if it's empty...I just need something with a number and possibly a picture.

I have tried googling so many different key phrases that I want to scream. I have tried "center of mass of semi trailer" "center of mass of tractor trailer" "center of gravity of semi trailer" "center of gravity of tractor trailer"

and countless variations.

I know that it is obnoxious to outright ask someone to google it for me, but I could really use some advice on how to refine my search better.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Casey

 

[Saladsamurai]

My eyes feel like they are going to bleed. Any ideas?

 

[lobstaz1]

Wow... i am actually doing the exact same thing for my physics summative (grade 12) and need the approximate center of mass as well...

For the other stats on the semi i have:
avg length: 75 feet = 22.86 meters
avg unloaded weight: 14 000 kilograms = 30 864.7167 pounds

Tensile strength of steel (for batman's cables): 1860MPa
Tensile strength of carbon nanotube rope (incase Batman has miraculously advanced this new technology): 62000MPa

What was your estimate on the truck's speed? I was thinking 60 km/h... but I am not too sure on that.

 

[TVP45]

If you only need an approximate value, this state weight inspection link will enable you to calculate that.
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/Bureaus/pdBOMO.nsf/infoRMCPHeightAndWeight?OpenForm