ABSTRACT
A track system consists of a large number of bodies that are interconnected by joints. The presence of large number of bodies and complexity of joints pose computational difficulty in modelling the dynamic behaviour. The objective of this study is to develop a simple mathematical model for tracks such that the influence of tracks on the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle can be accounted for. The study involves the development of a planar multibody model of a tracked vehicle; the tracks are replaced by a set of “imaginary” wheels connected to the road wheels using mechanical links. This is done to significantly reduce the number of bodies, constraint equations and contact detection between bodies. The Differential Algebraic Equations out of the multibody model are framed and solved numerically. The results are compared with Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical System Tracked Vehicle module and with field measurements on a tracked vehicle.
