Calculating curvilinear motion of transport vehicles based on a finite element modeling of track-ground interaction

Calculation methods are widely used to assess the loading and durability of undercarriage elements of tracked vehicles. These methods involve computer simulation of vehicle roading. When roading, tracked vehicles mostly cover curvilinear sections. This mode implies intense dynamic loads acting on the running systems of vehicles. Therefore, a mathematical modeling of motion should adequately describe the resistance forces arising on curved sections of roads. The article reviews methods for calculating resistance forces in a curvilinear motion of vehicles. A new method for determining resistance forces was proposed. Track-ground interaction was considered on limited “active” sections adjacent to the support rollers. The finite element method was used to calculate the forces produced by the contact of tracks and ground. The results of the finite element calculations, allowed us to obtain the dependences that relate the loads acting on the track with its movement along the ground. We proposed a method for calculating the forces of resistance to rotation based on these dependencies. We also proposed an algorithm for integrating differential equations of motion of a mathematical model. The paper presents the results of modeling the motion of a ten-ton tracked vehicle. The proposed method for modeling vehicle roading makes it possible to obtain the results that take into account the shape of the track bearing surface, soil properties, and the actual distribution of the support roller load acting on the track. Moreover, changes in the loads acting on each support roller of a tracked vehicle can be obtained. These processes will be used to calculate stresses in the elements under study and to obtain estimates of their durability.