DYNAMICS OF OFF-ROAD TRACKED VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRAILING ARM SUSPENSION

A two-dimensional computer simulation model is developed for dynamic analysis of high-mobility tracked vehicles fitted with a trailing arm suspension system. The simulation model is oriented as a design tool for detailed analysis of vehicle suspension dynamics and ride quality assessment. The Lagrangian model formulation of a tracked vehicle is derived by considering a rigid terrain of an arbitrary profile and constant forward vehicle speed. The model incorporates detailed representations of a vehicle suspension system and dynamic wheel-track-terrain interactions. The wheel forces are evaluated based on an adaptive footprint formulation of a wheel/hack-terrain contact patch, and the track forces are modelled based on kinematic considerations. The computer model predictions are validated against field measurements, which were gathered from an extensive field testing of an in-service armoured personnel carrier. The comparison between measured and simulated dynamic responses exhibits a fairly close correlation.