Title: The selection of turning gears geometry in articulated terrain vehicles using multi-criterion optimization

Authors: P. Dudzinski, H. Hawrylak, M. Wermus

Addresses: Technical University of Wroclaw, Poland. ' Technical University of Wroclaw, Poland. ' Technical University of Wroclaw, Poland

Abstract: The paper presents a method for selecting an optimum geometry for articulated vehicle turning systems, in particular those operated by two hydraulic cylinders. The two most important criteria, of maximization of the disposable moment of the twisting machine members and of the angles of purchase, are considered for optimization using a more general multi-criterion optimization technique. The optimizing computational results indicate that the optimum solution in this case is a trapezium with mounting points at the vertices and a marked difference in bases. The particular proportions of the geometry will depend on machine and turning cylinder design parameters. Such a configuration leads to good angles of purchase, which affect performance and life, and minimizes the forces (pressures in hydraulic cylinders) and absorbing capacity of the turning cylinders needed to ensure machine steerability. The method presented allows an experienced designer to select a solution from among polyoptimum solutions obtained, taking into account also criteria which are difficult to measure directly.

Keywords: articulated vehicles; turning gear; multi-criteria optimisation; hydraulic cylinders; angles of purchase; disposable moment of twisting; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1980.061232

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1980 Vol.1 No.4, pp.349 - 360

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article