The dynamic performance of a multi-wheeled combat vehicle model specially developed in multi-body dynamics code was validated against measured data obtained on the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center’s (ATC) test courses. The multi-wheeled combat vehicle variant that was tested was developed in the modeling software TruckSim from Mechanical Simulation Corporation. Prior to validating the model, the vehicle weights, dimensions, tires and suspension characteristics were measured and referenced in the specially developed computer simulation model. Non-linear measured tire and suspension look-up tables were used in the simulation. The predictions of the vehicle handling characteristics and transient response during lane change at different vehicle speeds were compared with field tests results. Measured and predicted results are compared on the basis of vehicle steering, yaw rates, accelerations and handling diagrams. Statistical methods such as power spectral density, root mean square, skewness, and kurtosis are applied to validate the model. Validation tolerances are defined for each set of statistical results based on ATC’s experience.

Performance testing is an important step in the development of any vehicle model. Generally, full-scale field tests are conducted to collect the dynamic response characteristics for evaluating the vehicle performance. However, with increases in computational power and the accuracy of simulation models, virtual testing can be extensively used as an alternative to the time consuming and costly full-scale tests, especially for severe maneuvers. Validation of the simulation results is critical for the acceptance of such simulation models. In this paper, a methodology for validating the vertical dynamic performance of a virtual vehicle has been discussed. The dynamic performance of a multi-wheeled combat vehicle model specially developed using a multi-body dynamics code was validated against the measured data obtained on the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center’s (ATC) test courses. The multi-wheeled combat vehicle variant computer simulation model was developed in TruckSim, a vehicle dynamic simulation software developed by the Mechanical Simulation Corporation. Prior to validating the model, the vehicle weights, dimensions, tires and suspension characteristics were measured and referenced in the specially developed computer simulation model. The data for the tire and suspension characteristics were acquired from the respective leading manufacturers in the form of look-up tables. The predictions of the vehicle vertical dynamics on different road profiles at various vehicle speeds were compared with the field test results. The time domain data for the vertical acceleration at the vehicle center of gravity, pitching, vehicle speed and the suspension/damper displacement were compared to analyze the feasibility of using the computer simulation models to predict the vertical dynamic performance of the vehicle. Based on the results it was found that the particular combat vehicle computer simulation model is capable of predicting the vertical dynamic performance characteristics.

Important clues about the probable cause of a gun tube explosion were obtained from a fractographic and metallographic examination of the fragments. The size, distribution, and surface markings of fragments may be used to localize the explosion and deduce its intensity. Microstructural features such as voids, adiabatic shear, and structural surface alterations also indicate the explosion intensity and further allow a comparison of the tube structure near and away from the explosion zone. These, and other metallurgical characteristics, are illustrated and discussed for cases of accidental and deliberately caused explosions of large caliber gun tubes.