An Investigation into the Effects of Initial Track Tension on Soft Ground Mobility of Tracked Vehicles Using an Advanced Computer Simulation Model

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a detailed investigation into the effects of initial track tension (i.e. the tension in the track system when the vehicle is stationary on a level, hard surface) 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 significant effects on the peak normal pressure and mean maximum pressure on the track-terrain interface, sinkage of the track, and the drawbar pull and tractive efficiency of a vehicle on unprepared terrain. The impact of initial track tension on tractive performance is however dependent upon vehicle design features, including suspension characteristics. This investigation demonstrates that the simulation model NTVPM can play a significant role in the detailed evaluation of the design of tracked vehicles from a traction perspective.

Keywords

tracked vehicles mobility tractive performance design features

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