ASSESSMENT OF TRACKED VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM USING A VALIDATED COMPUTERS SIMULATION-MODEL

A non-linear, in-plane computer simulation model of a typical high-mob ility tracked vehicle is developed for suspension dynamic analysis and ride quality assessment. The Langrangian model formulation of the tra cked vehicle is derived considering an arbitrary rigid terrain profile and constant vehicle speed. The model incorporates detailed represent ations of a trailing arm suspension system and dynamic wheel-track-ter rain interactions. The computer model predictions are validated agains t field measurements, which were gathered from tests of an armoured pe rsonnel carrier traversing a discrete half-round bump and a random cou rse. A parametric sensitivity analysis was carried out using the valid ated computer model in order to assess the influence of conventional s uspension parameters on the ride performance of the test vehicle. In a ddition, the ride performance potentials of an alternate hydrogas susp ension configuration were investigated.