Experimental identification and selection of dynamic properties of a high-speed tracked vehicle suspension system

Abstract

Article citation info: (*) Tekst artykułu w polskiej wersji językowej dostępny w elektronicznym wydaniu kwartalnika na stronie www.ein.org.pl IntroductionThe design and modification of the tracked vehicle suspension system is now supported with the vehicle motion numerical simulations based on the principles of multibody dynamics. Such analyses make it possible to reduce experimental testing costs and shorten the time of the new product commercialization. In terms of the vehicle motion nature simulation, it is essential to take account of the impact of the track on the suspension system as this enables precise selection of the suspension components.A conventional tracked vehicle suspension system incorporates not only metal elements but also bushings made of rubber or other materials [17]. The material diversity of subassemblies and the vehicle operation time make it difficult to determine the forces acting in the track segments. A change in parameters describing the phenomena occurring in this area (cf. Fig. 1) has a direct effect on the performance of the vehicle entire suspension system.The system properties are also affected by the track wear level, which is difficult to assess. Depending on the manufacturer, the track service life is estimated at the level of about 2000 km. The environment of the track system operation is another significant factor. For example, high air dustiness increases the intensity of wear [9].According to [2], the forces occurring in the track system can be identified through testing carried out on a test stand. A method of the track tension determination in real time is presented in [14]. The method finds application in active suspension systems. Identification of the properties of damping elements of the tracked vehicle suspension with the use of neural networks is presented in [21,22]. Sankar et al. [20] and Dhir & Sankar [7] developed a model for dynamic simulation of tracked vehicles with independent suspension, offering the possibility of using linear or nonlinear characteristics of spring and damping elements. A numerical simulation in the time domain makes it possible to improve the crew's comfort and safety by observing the suspension system performance. In [18], optimization of the suspension system spring elements is taken into consideration, adopting the criterion of minimization of the driver's seat vertical acceleration values during 8-hour exposure to vibrations. Gregory M. Hulbert et al.[10] developed a method of the rocker design optimization using characteristics of the forces acting on the suspension node which are obtained from the vehicle simulation. In [16], the methodology of modelling hybrid drive systems and elements of the tracked vehicle suspension is presented. Choi et al. [6]

Numerical model of tracked vehicle crossing inland water

“…These elements are described using the Lagrange method used in classical computer stereomechanical and dynamic mechanical analyses. Stiffness of springs was taken from the literature [2]. 3400000 solid elements forming air and water are described by the ALE method, which allows the transfer of pressures between elements of fluid mechanics and solid state mechanics.…”

Influence of Changes in Stiffness and Damping of Tyre Wheels on the Outcome of the Condition Assessment of Motor Vehicle Shock Absorbers

“…The most common forced vibration methods are tests carried out according to BOGE, EUSAMA, THETA and their derivatives [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37]. In these methods, vertical vibration generators are used that cause vibrations in the plates on which the wheel of the test car is placed during the test.…”

Assessment of the Impact of Wear and Tear of Rubber Elements in Tracked Mechanism on the Dynamic Loads of High-Speed Tracked Vehicles

“…The operating conditions (terrain, climatic and meteorological conditions, and dust) are important, a general description of which is included in the literature [5]. An interesting approach to the problem, the influence of vehicle operating time, is presented in the literature [6], where the impact of wear and tear of suspension elements on the dynamic loads of the vehicle is considered. Research on prototype crawler pads of crawler track links is presented in the literature [7].…”