Evaluation of the effects of design features on tracked vehicle mobility using an advanced computer simulation model
by J.Y. Wong, Wei Huang
International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems (IJHVS), Vol. 12, No. 4, 2005

Abstract: On soft terrain, such as deep snow, track sinkage often exceeds vehicle ground clearance and the vehicle belly comes into contact with the terrain surface. This paper describes the results of a detailed investigation into the effects of design features, particularly the combined effects of initial track tension (i.e., the tension in the track system when the vehicle is stationary on a level, hard surface) and vehicle belly attitude (nose-up or nose-down), on soft ground mobility of tracked vehicles. The investigation was carried out using the latest version of an advanced computer simulation model, known as NTVPM, developed under the auspices of Vehicle Systems Development Corporation. The results show that the initial track tension has a significant effect on soft ground mobility, particularly when track sinkage is greater than vehicle ground clearance. When the vehicle belly is in contact with terrain surface, its attitude also has a notable effect on vehicle performance at low initial track tensions. However, its effect on mobility decreases with the increase in initial track tension. It is demonstrated that NTVPM is a useful and effective tool for design and performance evaluation of tracked vehicles from a traction perspective.

Online publication date: Wed, 30-Nov-2005

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems (IJHVS):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com