Accelerated testing of track vehicle torsion bar

Abstract

The suspension system of track vehicles is often equipped with torsion bars. The torsion bar is a key element of the vehicle's suspension system. The service life of torsion bars depends primarily on the quality of the material used, the diameter of the torsion bars and the method of attachment and placement. In order to obtain the characteristics of the torsion bar, an experimental test stand was created on which accelerated tests were performed. Furthermore, a virtual model of torsion bar operation was created. The torsion bar was modelled using finite elements (FE part). Dynamic simulation was performed using MSC Adams software. Finally, the values measured in the accelerated tests and the results of simulations were compared. Comparing the values found, it was proved that this difference is not significant. This virtual model can be used to investigate the service life of torsion bars and to predict their service life.