From Theory to Practice - Computer-Aided Methods for Design and Performance Evaluation of Off-Road Vehicles

摘要

This paper presents a series of computer-aided methods for design and performance evaluation, from a traction perspective, of off-road vehicles, including both tracked and wheeled vehicles. These methods are based on an in-depth understanding of terrain behaviour under vehicular load and the mechanics of vehicle-terrain interaction. They take into account all major design features of an off-road vehicle and all mechanical properties of the terrain of relevance to vehicle mobility. The basic features of these methods have been verified by field test data of full-size vehicles on a variety of terrains. They have been successfully employed in assisting vehicle manufacturers in developing new products and governmental agencies in selecting vehicle candidates in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.