Tracked Vehicle Performance Evaluation using Multi Body Dynamics

Abstract

The objective of the study was to shorten the design cycle and evaluate the performance of infantry fighting vehicle using advanced multi body dynamics (MBD) environment before physical prototypes built. The MBD model is built with tracked vehicle module consisting of tracks (Links), sprocket, Support rollers, and hydro pneumatic suspension with suitable connections. Hull, turret are characterised by mass and inertial properties. The dynamic analysis was carried out for different field conditions i.e. trench crossing, step and ramp climbing, etc., to extract the hull forces at joints, power required to manuever, track tension forces to determine overall vehicle stability and look for possible design modifications. Recommendations were then suggested for power train, number of track segments, tensioner force, etc to ensure proper behavior during different manuevers. The MBD results are used in FEA to determine structural response in terms of stress, deformation, fatigue etc., and reflects in design modification before physical prototype made and are validated with base level analytical results.