SUMMARY Ride dynamic behaviour of a typical high-speed tracked vehicle, such as a conventional military armoured personnel carrier (APC) negotiating rough off-road terrains, is studied through computer simulations and field tests. A comprehensive ride dynamic simulation model is developed, assuming constant forward vehicle speed and non-deformable terrain profile. The ride model includes dynamic track load and wheel/track-terrain interaction. Dynamic track load is modeled in view of track belt stretching and initial track tension, whereas an equivalent damper and continuous radial spring formulation is employed to model wheel/track-terrain interaction. Field testing of a APC subjected to discrete half round obstacles of various radii, a sinusoidal course, a random course, and a Belgian Pave\ is carried out for various vehicle configurations and speeds. Computer simulation results are validated against field measured results. The comparison of measured and predicted results shows generally good agreement.

Ride Dynamics of High-Speed Tracked Vehicles: Simulation with Field Validation

Hydro-gas suspension system for a tracked vehicle: Modeling and analysis

Analytical track models for ride dynamic simulation of tracked vehicles

Assessment of tracked vehicle suspension system using a validated computer simulation model

Ride dynamics mathematical model for a single station representation of tracked vehicle

Tracked vehicles, such as earthmoving and military vehicles, designed for mobility over rough terrains impose a severe ride environment Prolonged exposure to such low frequency and large amplitude vibration can lead to driver discomfort, physiological damage, inefficient performance and thus reduced mobility performance Ride characteristics of a military tracked vehicle are analysed via suspension, track tension, and track–terrain interactions Ride response characteristics of nonlinear vehicle model are evaluated for stochastic excitations, arising from random terrains such as Belgian pave, ploughed field, pasture and MVEE course Ride quality of the tracked vehicle is assessed in terms of average absorbed power associated with vertical and horizontal ride vibrations transmitted to the driver

M.F.R. Afonso

Papers

Dynamic analysis of tracked vehicles with trailing arm suspension and assessment of ride vibrations