ANALYTICAL TRACK MODELS FOR RIDE DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF TRACKED VEHICLES

This paper presents various modelling strategies to account for track in the ride dynamic simulation of high mobility tracked vehicles negot iating rough off-road terrains. Four analytical track representations of varying complexities are formulated in conjunction with an in-plane ride dynamic model of a typical tracked vehicle. These track models a re conceived in view of the tracked vehicle kinematics while ignoring the track belt vibrations. The ride dynamic response of a conventional armoured personnel carrier is evaluated in conjunction with different track models, and validated against field-measured ride data. The rel ative performances of these track models are thus assessed based on th e accuracy of response predictions, and associated computational time.