Prediction of Tractive Performance of Tracked Vehicles Using a Computer Simulation Model

A mathematical model was developed for estimating the mechanical interrelation between characteristics of soil and main design factors of a tracked vehicle, and predicting the tractive performance of the tracked vehicle. Based on the mathematical model, a computer simulation program (TPPMTV) was developed in the study. The model considered the continuous change in tension for the whole track of a tracked vehicle, the analysis of shape and tension of the track segment between sprocket and first roadwheel, and the side thrust on both sides of grouser by the active earth pressure theory in predicting the tractive performance of a tracked vehicle. Also, the model contained not only sinkage depth of the track but the pressure distribution under the track in analyzing the side thrust. The effectiveness of the developed model was verified by performing the draw bar pull tests with a tracked vehicle reconstructed for test in loam soil with moisture content of 18.92％. The predicted drawbar pulls by the model were well matched to the measured ones. Such results implied that the model developed in the study could estimate the drawbar pulls well at various soil conditions, and would be very useful as a simulation tool for designing a tracked vehicle and predicting its tractive performance.