Title: Traction mechanics of the designed and developed segmented rubber track vehicle for Sepang peat terrain in Malaysia during turning motion: theoretical and experimental analysis

Authors: Ataur Rahman, Azmi Yahya, Mohd. Zohadie, Desa Ahmad, Wan Ishak

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ' Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia. ' Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia. ' Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia. ' Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

Abstract: The traction mechanics of the vehicle was developed based on the track-terrain interaction mechanism. The simulation results indicated that the vehicle with full payload turning on peat terrain should be turning 2m radius at least for the fulfilment of vehicle floatation ability; 4m radius or less for the fulfilment of vehicle turning ability; and at 4m radius at least for the fulfilment of vehicle turning stability. The vehicle was tested on the three different terrains: terrain type I, terrain type II, and terrain type III. The maximum percentage of tractive effort variation was found for terrain type I because of the lowest moisture content.

Keywords: loading conditions; peat terrain; tracked vehicles; tractive performance; turning; segmented rubber tracks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2006.010586

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2006 Vol.13 No.4, pp.324 - 350

Published online: 03 Aug 2006 *

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