Chassis trafficability simulation and experiment of a LY1352JP forest tracked vehicle

Abstract

Based on the analysis of complex terrains and current forest transportation equipment, a forest tracked vehicle prototype LY1352JP was developed. The road model and the virtual prototype of the chassis were constructed using dynamic simulation software RecurDyn. The optimal tension of the vehicle as well as its capabilities for crossing trenches, climbing vertical walls, uphill and downhill slopes were simulated. The simulation results showed that the optimum tension force of the chassis of the vehicle was 63 kN (kilonewton), accounting for 45% of the total vehicle weight. The maximum trench crossing width and vertical obstacle climbing height were 1.35 m and 0.45 m, respectively. The maximum uphill and downhill angles were 50° and 45°, respectively. Tests on the prototype capacity for crossing trenches, and uphill and downhill driving were carried out. The test results were in agreement with the simulation results. A cross-country performance of a fire truck based on the tracked vehicle chassis was conducted in an old-growth forest. Tests verified that the vehicle has a strong forest trafficability performance and can meet the needs for forest transportation.