;
January 24, 2000                                     File Number: 9E1293

CAN-ACT CYLINDER AND CONTROLS INC.
2-3691 Viking Way
Richmond, BC
V6V 1 W1

Attention: Mr. Kevin Kerr

Dear Sir:

Re: Examination of Components after Testing

        1.                    INTRODUCTION

    The components from a prototype anti jackknife system (AJS) were received to
    evaluate any damage resulting from testing. The AJS was repeatedly tested to
    simulate the worst case loading situation.

    Bacon Donaldson was asked to examine the components, evaluate the damage and
    provide insight into materials for  manufacturing  the system. It is not the
    intention to provide advice regarding design,  however,  where design issues
    relate to materials, recommendations have been made for consideration.

    This is a  prototype  system  and not in its final  form.  Discussions  have
    indicated that the final product will be enclosed, with the exception of the
    active region, for protection from the environment.

    The AJS, from a materials  perspective,  must be able to withstand the loads
    applied  during a  jackknifing  situation.  It must also be able to  operate
    effectively  over a long  period of time in  changing  environments  without
    seizing  or  malfunction.  The  continuous  problem  free  operation  of the
    engaging mechanism has been taken into account with regards to materials.

        2.1                   Operational Parameters

    A  photograph  of the AJS in  operation is presented in Figure 1. The AJS is
    bolted to the bottom of a trailer unit with the bolting flange vertical. The
    adjacent non-bolted flange is horizontal and not fixed to `she trailer. The
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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re: Examination of Components after Vesting

    "dog" is lowered into position  between the 5t" Wheel opening faces.  During
    normal highway driving,  the dog will be in place and will cycle between the
    engaged  position  and the  disengaged  position  depending  on the  driving
    situation.

    The AJS will only be significantly  loaded during jackknife  situations when
    the dog will be  impacted  between the 5t" wheel face  surfaces.  The system
    must be able to withstand repeated impacts during its lifetime,  but will be
    inspected following any significant incident or impact.

    In summary,  the AJS must be able to function with reliability during normal
    engage and disengage  cycles over along period of time. It must also be able
    to  withstand  impact  from  jackknife  situations  and be able to  function
    afterwards.  The  materials  should  also be such  that they will be able to
    withstand  the  conditions  of  weather  and  environment  fluctuations  and
    severity.

        3.0                   EVALUATION OF PROTOTYPE DAMAGE

    The  prototype was installed on a trailer as, shown in Figure l. The trailer
    reportedly  weighed   approximately  60,000  Ibs  and  the  tractor  weighed
    approximately 20,000 Ibs. The AJS was placed in the engaged position and the
    tractor and trailer intentionally  attempted to jackknife.  This process was
    repeated several times.

    The AJS as received for evaluation is presented in Figure 2.  Examination of
    the AJS indicated several locations of permanent  deformation damage.  These
    will be detailed in the sections below.  The bolting flange,  support flange
    and cross members make up the support housing of the AJS.

        3.1                   Bolting Flange

    The bolting  flange was  manufactured  from 0.375" carbon steel with a yield
    strength of approximately 40,000 psi. The bolting flange exhibited two types
    of permanent damage,  deformation of the flange, and impingement of the bolt
    threads on the bolt holes. The impingement of the threads is shown in Figure
    3. This  indicates the AJS system was moving  during  operation and suggests
    adequate clamping forces were not obtained upon fastening.


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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re: Examination of Components after Testing

    The bolting flange exhibited  distortion along the length as shown in Figure
    4. The  deformation  was more  noticeable  between  the  bolt  holes.  These
    locations  correlate  with welded  connections  to the bolting  flange,  and
    welding distortion may have contributed to the deformation.

    The maximum  deformation  was measured  relative to the plane of the bolting
    flange.  The maximum  deformation  noted was 0.054"  located at arrow "A" on
    Figure 4.

        3.2                   Support Flange

    The attachment flange was manufactured from 0.375" thick carbon steel with a
    yield  strength of  approximately  40,000 psi. The support flange is located
    90(degree) to the bolting flange and makes up one leg of the L shaped frame.
    The  deformation  was located at a similar  location  as the bolting  flange
    (Figure 5).

    The maximum deformation noted on the support flange was measured relative to
    the plane of the support  flange.  The  maximum  permanent  deformation  was
    measured at 0.030" and is shown at arrow "A" shown on Figure 5.

        3.3                   Cross Members

    The cross  members  were  manufactured  from 1" thick  plate and support the
    shaft as it travels on axis. The support  members are identified as 1 - 4 as
    presented in Figure 6.  Support  member #3 was  stiffened  with a 2" support
    above the shaft hole.

    Upon  examination,  supports #1, #3 and #4 did not exhibit any  deformation.
    Support #2 did exhibit permanent deformation at the location shown in Figure
    6. The total  deformation  was measured at 0.050" in the  direction in which
    impact loading would have occurred.  It was noted that the deformation  only
    occurred above the shaft hole.

    The shaft and dog are presented in Figure 7. The shaft was manufactured from
    EN30B carbon steel with a yield strength of approximately 115,000 based upon

[
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Re: Examination of Components after Vesting

    supplier  information  far the  hardness  of the  material.  The  shaft  was
    examined to determine if permanent  deformation had occurred.  The shaft was
    found to be deformed at the  interface of the 1.5"  diameter  section to the
    2.3"  diameter  section.  The total  permanent  set noted was 0.014" at this
    location. The location of permanent deformation is shown in Figure 7.

        3.5                   Dog

    The dog was also reportedly  manufactured from a wrought bar of EN30B steel.
    The dog did not exhibit any sign of deformation.

        3.6                   Summary of Findings

    Both flange  locations were found to be deformed at  approximately  the same
    locations.  The location of  deformation  was at the end of the AJS with the
    least amount of stiffener support. The deformation was associated with welds
    which may have  contributed  to the  degree of  deformation.  This  location
    presents the best  situation to estimate loads and was used to determine the
    approximate maximum load on the component.  This was at best an estimate due
    to the number of cycles  the  apparatus  was  subjected  to and the  plastic
    deformation noted.

        3.7                   Estimate of Load on Component

    To completely  identify the loads involved during critical  operation of the
    AJS,  strain gauge load analysis  should be performed.  Strain  gauging will
    provide the most accurate  information and present useable values for design
    considerations.  The values determined from the deformation on the apparatus
    are at best estimates.

    Deflection  or  bending  of a  material  is a  function  of the  modulus  of
    elasticity,  the cross  sectional area (section  modulus),  and the span, or
    distance  between  supports.  Increasing  the strength of the steel will not
    prevent  deflection  from  occurring.  In  lacy,  the  steels  of  different
    strengths will deflect in an identical manner. The benefit of using a higher
    yield strength material is that permanent  deformation will occur at greater
    deflections  than  with  lower  yield  strength  materials.  The only way to
    improve  deflection  characteristics  is to increase  the  section  modulus,
    modulus of elasticity, or reduce the span.




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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re: Examination of Components after Testing

    A calculation  for estimating  loads on the support  member which  exhibited
    deformation were performed to estimate the feed to cause yielding. Since the
    support  yielded and was  subjected  to multiple  impacts,  the actual total
    deflection  which  occurred is not known.  Only the cross  section above the
    shaft hole was used for the calculation,  as only it exhibited  deformation.
    The  calculation  is likely  conservative  considering  the some of the load
    would have been carried  around the hole.  The estimated load on the support
    to cause yielding is 120,000 Ibs.

        4..0                  MATERIALS CONSIDERATIONS

        4.1                   Housing

The housing  material  supports  all  components  and becomes the load  carrying
component during critical loading. The housing material must:
o withstand impact loads  during  critical  operation;

o have  good  toughness  properties  at  low temperatures;

o have high enough yield strength to resist plastic deformation;

o be easily  cast to rough  shape;

o be  machinable  and lend  itself to repair;

o be economical,  reasonable cost.

    Since it was  noted  that  both the  flanges  exhibited  deformation,  it is
    recommended  that  the  thickness  of each  flange  be  increased,  and that
    stiffeners  are used.

    The materials which have been considered for the housing are:

o Austempered  Ductile Iron (ADI);

o Alloy Steel in the quenched and tempered condition;

o Carbon Steel, normalized and tempered.



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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re: Examination of Components after Testing

    Austempered  Ductile  Iron  (All) is  widely  used for  gears,  wear  parts,
    crankshafts,  cam shafts,  sprockets,  and for  applications  requiring good
    impact and fatigue strength.  ADI is a cast ductile iron which has undergone
    an austempering heat treatment. The heat treatment produces a microstructure
    of  ausferrite  and  exhibits  approximately  twice the strength of standard
    ductile iron.

    The  grades  considered  possible  for use with  the AJS are ASTM A  8oJ7-90
    125-80-10 (125 ksi ultimate strength, 80 ksi yield strength, 10% elongation)
    or 150-100-07  (provided in Appendix B). The lower  strength grade will have
    slightly better toughness  properties.  Published values for impact strength
    of 125-80-10 using an un-notched charpy sample at 75(degree)F is 75 ft/Ibs.

    ADI exhibits a Modulus of Elasticity of 24.8 X 106 psi in tension and 23.6 X
    106 psi in  compression.  This is lower than the Modulus of  Elasticity  for
    steel and  therefore  the  material  is less  stiff than steel and a greater
    deflection  would be  expected  for  similar  loading  conditions  and cross
    sections. This must be considered for during design and will require thicker
    sections and stiffeners to be added.

    ADI is generally not difficult to cast and heat treat with proper equipment.
    It has an advantage for this type of component in that it exhibits very good
    castability  and  relatively  small  shrinkage  factors.   It  is,  however,
    generally not repairable by welding due to high carbon levels.

        4.1.2                 Alloy Steel

    The use of a cast alloy steel such as an AISI 4340 or 8630 steel  equivalent
    material  should also be  considered.  These steel  materials must be in the
    quenched  and  tempered  condition  to provide the best impact and  strength
    properties.  The steel used should be tempered to a hardness of about HRC 30
    (BHN 200) which will provide an ultimate  tensile  strength of approximately
    145,000  psi  and a  yield  strength  of  110,000  psi.  The  well  tempered
    martensitic  structure will also have good toughness  properties over a wide
    range of temperatures.

    The modulus of elasticity for Steel is approximately 30X10(6)th psi.



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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re: Examination of Components after Testing

    Cast steels  which may be  considered  are ASTM A 958  "Castings,  Steel and
    Alloy,  Common  Requirements,  for General  Industrial Use." The recommended
    cast steel is grade SC 4340,  class  115/95.  This  material will exhibit an
    ultimate  strength of 115 ksi and a yield strength of 95 ksi. A copy of ASTM
    A 958 is provided in Appendix B. Charpy impact  testing  should be specified
    to ensure good toughness at low temperatures.

    Steel castings are common and should provide  relative ease of  manufacture.
    Considering the shape of the casting, shrinkage and castability may be issue
    requiring  consideration.  Other Issues such as warping during heat treating
    should also be considered.

        4.1.3                 Carbon Steel

    Carbon steel should also be considered  from a cost and ease of  manufacture
    point of view. The two primary  concerns are toughness at low  temperatures,
    and permanent deformation from deflection.

    If design changes are  incorporated  which allow more  distribution of loads
    during impact,  carbon steel in the normalized and tempered condition may be
    an option. A typical  specification for steel castings is ASTNY A148, "Steel
    Castings,  Nigh Strength for Structural  Purposes." A range of strengths are
    available  in this  specification  from 80 ksi to 200 ksi  ultimate  tensile
    strengths.  Minimum impact energy requirements should be specified to ensure
    good toughness at low  temperatures.  A copy of the  specification  for ASTM
    A148 is presented in Appendix B.

    Carbon steel is relatively low cost and easily  repairable.  Castability and
    shrinkage may be and issue.

        4.1.4                 Conclusion

    ADI and alloy  steel  exhibit  similar  properties  when  comparing  tensile
    strength,   and  fatigue  strength.  The  main  differences  which  must  be
    considered  are the lower  toughness  and modules of  elasticity of the ADI.
    Lower  modules of elasticity  results in a less stiff  material and requires
    design modifications,  such as increased section modulus and stiffeners. The





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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re: Examination of Components after Testing

    greatest  concern with ADI versus steel, is the lower  toughness.  Toughness
    information  published  for  ADI  uses  an  un-notched  charpy  samples  and
    therefore,  makes  direct  comparison  with  notched  steel  impact  samples
    difficult.   ADI  also   experiences  a  reduction  in  toughness  at  lower
    temperatures,  similar to steel. It is reported, however that this reduction
    occurs at lower temperatures than for steel.

    The  information  found  suggests the toughness  properties  for AD[ are not
    predictable  at low  temperatures.  It  also  suggests  that  ADI  is  notch
    sensitive, and may not perform in a tough manner in the presence of a notch.

        4.2                   Shaft Material

    The shaft  material used for the prototype was reported to be an EN30B steel
    with a hardness  of HRC 35 (BHN  330).  Published  properties  for EN30B are
    shown in the table below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Material      UTS         YS       Elongation   Hardness       Impact Energy
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 (psi)       (psi)       (%)         (BHN)    at -50(degree)F (ft./Ibs)
<S>    <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>               <C>
     EN30B      130,000     110,000       7           4-15              15
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

EN30B exhibits desirable properties and the proper strength range to use for the
shaft.  The bending  noticed,  has occurred at -the  interface  between the 1.5"
section to the 2.3"  diameter of the shaft.  The radius at this location is very
small and  should be  modified  to allow for a smooth  transition.  The  present
radius acts as a stress concentrator and may result in fatigue crack problems in
the future and likely contributed to the bending noted.

It was discussed  that a potential  option for the shaft  material was a 17-4 PH
stainless  steel.  This is a  precipitation  hardening  grade of stainless steel
which is  available  in  several  hardness  ranges  depending  upon the  thermal
treatment  used.  For the  shaft,  the  material  should  be  used in the  H1100
condition  which  would  provide  an  ultimate  strength  of 145 ksi and a yield
strength of 1 1 5 ksi.

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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re' Examination of Components after Testing

    The 17-4 PH stainless  steel would be a superior  material  from a corrosion
    resistance stand point.  Regardless of material chosen,  the shaft should be
    chrome plated to ensure good sliding wear and anti-galling characteristics.

        4.3                   Dog Material

    The steel dog was  manufactured  from a wrought EN30B and exhibits a surface
    hardness  of HRC 50 (BHN  480).  The  hardness  is quite high and may be the
    result of surface cold working  during  milling.  This material will perform
    well as long as the  cross  section  will be able to  withstand  the  impact
    loading of the AJS. The hardness should be kept to a maximum of HRC 30 (13HN
    290) which will provide good toughness and tensile properties.

    The geometry of the dog may be changed -to increase the section at the base,
    and reduce the cross section near the upper contact area. This will make the
    dog  appear  similar  to the  "old"  style  dog as shown in  Figure  8. This
    accomplishes  three  things.   First,  the  impact  loads  will  be  equally
    distributed  around the shaft hole in the housing,  which better distributes
    the load.  It also  allows the dog to deflect  and absorb some of the energy
    during  impact.  Thirdly,  it provides more bearing area on the shaft by the
    dog which will reduce the bending moment potential on the shaft.

    The dog can be made from a casting and  finished  machined to shape.  A good
    material  choice for this is ASTM A 958,  grade 4340,  class  115/95.  As an
    alternative,  the dog may also be manufactured from ADI as specified in ASTM
    A897  150-100-07  if impact  testing is performed  to prove low  temperature
    toughness  properties.  Any machining of the dog which requires  dimensional
    change must include a large radius to reduce any stress concentration.  This
    is especially true for the ADI material.

        4.4                   Bushing Material

    The bushing material must be able 'to sustain general  operation for a great
    number of engage,  disengage  cycles.  They should also be able to withstand
    the  environments  encountered and high loads during a jackknife  situation.
    The manganese bronze bushing  materials are well suited for these conditions
    and should be considered.  It is recommended that the bushings be externally
    scaled to resist/ abrasive wear from debris during operation.



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Re: Examination of Components after Testing

        4.5                   Fasteners

    To ensure proper clamping  forces are achieved,  fasteners must be tightened
    to the  proper  torque  specification.  To  avoid  potential  problems  with
    hydrogen  embrittlement,  fasteners  equivalent  to SAE  grade 5 or less are
    recommended.

        5.0                   CORROSION CONSIDERATIONS

    There are several  potential  issues  regarding  corrosion  which  should be
    considered. Corrosion issues are presented in the sections below.

        5.1                   General Corrosion

    The AJS will potentially be subjected to every kind of environment  found on
    the roadways of North America.  A coating system must be selected which will
    allow for the best resistance to these environments. There are several paint
    systems which work well under  atmospheric  conditions.  The best system for
    this application should be discussed with an industrial coatings company.

        5.2                   Crevice Corrosion

    Every effort must be made to avoid crevice  situations  and ensure  critical
    components  are sealed or covered.  Crevices,  even small ones,  may lead to
    significant corrosion problems.

        5.3                   Hydrogen Embrittlement

    Steels are highly susceptible to hydrogen  embrittlement with hardness above
    HFC 35  (BHN  330).  This  phenomenon  results  in  brittle  fracture  under
    sustained  loads well below the yield  strength of the material.  Ensure the
    hardness  of the  materials  used do not exceed HRC 35 (BHN 330) to minimize
    the chance of hydrogen embrittlement.


[
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CAN-ACT CYLINDERS AND CONTROLS INC.
Re: Examination of Components after Testing

        6.0                   CASTING CONSIDERATIONS

  o It has been  indicated  that casting is the desirable  method of manufacture
    for the housing and the dog components.  Provided for consideration are some
    general issues to keep in mind. These are:

  o soundness:  ensure the casting is proven sound using radiography as outlined
    in ASTNi E94.  Acceptance  criteria  is as agreed upon by  manufacturer  and
    purchaser;

  o strength: ensure ongoing testing to prove strength and ductility of material
    used by heat poured or some other agreed upon interval;

  o toughness:  ensure testing to prove low toughness properties, by heat poured
    or some other agreed upon interval;

  o taper:  casting allows for tapering  loaded  sections to increase  the cross
    section near the base, and better  distribute  loads. The impact face should
    be flat and may require machining depending on pattern draft requirements;

  o radius:: maximum the  radiuses at all support to base  locations to minimize
    stress concentrators; section: increase section at locally high load

  o section:  increase  section at locally high load areas, and along the flange
    to avoid twisting during impacts.  Casting will also allow for stiffeners to
    improve ability to absorb loads.

Please  contact the  undersigned  if you have any  questions or require  further
information.

Yours truly,

/s/ BACON DONALDSON
-------------------
    BACON DONALDSON

  Bill Johnson, AScT
  Direct Line: (604) 448-3894
  E-mail: bjohnson@canspec.com

WFJ/mu
Enclosure

Note:  Unless  otherwise  instructed,  we shall  dispose  of all ,carts and test
       samples sixty days from the date of this report.


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APPENDIX A

Figure 1 AJS in place  beneath  a  trailer  showing  the dog in the  disengaged
          position.

Figure 2 AJS as received for  evaluation  showing the top of the bolting  flange
         and the shaft holes with bushings in place.

Figure 3 Bolting  flange in place  showing  the  impingement  of threads on hole
indicating movement of the AJS during operation.

Figure 4 View of bolting flange showing locations of deformation. The worst case
         location is at position A.

Figure 5 View of support flange showing locations of deformation which correlate
         to the bolting flange. Worst case location is at position A.

Figure 6 AJS system showing the direct impact deformation and the identification
         of the support members.

Figure 7 View of the shaft and dog as received.  The shaft  exhibits  bending at
         the tight radius at section change.


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