Experimental identification and selection of dynamic properties of a high-speed tracked vehicle suspension system

The design and modification of the tracked vehicle suspension system is now supported with the vehicle motion numerical simulations based on the principles of multibody dynamics. Such analyses make it possible to reduce experimental testing costs and shorten the time of the new product commercialization. In terms of the vehicle motion nature simulation, it is essential to take account of the impact of the track on the suspension system as this enables precise selection of the suspension components. A conventional tracked vehicle suspension system incorporates not only metal elements but also bushings made of rubber or other materials [17]. The material diversity of subassemblies and the vehicle operation time make it difficult to determine the forces acting in the track segments. A change in parameters describing the phenomena occurring in this area (cf. Fig. 1) has a direct effect on the performance of the vehicle entire suspension system. The system properties are also affected by the track wear level, which is difficult to assess. Depending on the manufacturer, the track service life is estimated at the level of about 2000 km. The environment of the track system operation is another significant factor. For example, high air dustiness increases the intensity of wear [9]. According to [2], the forces occurring in the track system can be identified through testing carried out on a test stand. A method of the track tension determination in real time is presented in [14]. The method finds application in active suspension systems. Identification of the properties of damping elements of the tracked vehicle suspension with the use of neural networks is presented in [21, 22]. Sankar et al. [20] and Dhir & Sankar [7] developed a model for dynamic simulation of tracked vehicles with independent suspension, offering the possibility of using linear or nonlinear characteristics of spring and damping elements. A numerical simulation in the time domain makes it possible to improve the crew’s comfort and safety by observing the suspension system performance. In [18], optimization of the suspension system spring elements is taken into consideration, adopting the criterion of minimization of the driver’s seat vertical acceleration values during 8-hour exposure to vibrations. Gregory M. Hulbert et al. [10] developed a method of the rocker design optimization using characteristics of the forces acting on the suspension node which are obtained from the vehicle simulation. In [16], the methodology of modelling hybrid drive systems and elements of the tracked vehicle suspension is presented. Choi et al. [6] present the Jacek GniłkA Arkadiusz Mężyk