Cross-country ability of tracked vehicles

Abstract

Research aims to determine conditions and parameters under which the tracked vehicle overcomes stone fields and separate blocks (boulders). Research methodology included the methods of analytical mechanics and mathematical analysis. Results. Mining and geological conditions of deposits gradually get more complicated, while mining moves to remote northern regions, which is a characteristic feature of the Holocene epoch. Road, weather, and natural conditions in arctic and northern territories differ markedly from other regions. Ridges, mounds, lake plains, and marshland are the predominant landscape. Stone fields, marshes, permafrost, marshy hollows, and deep ravines impede the traffic. Due to these factors it is particularly difficult to access and explore in arctic and northern territories. There are particular technical specifications for the exploration equipment, namely, increased cross-country ability for weak soil (snow and swamp), ability to overcome stone fields, increased haulage and towing capacity with the account of maximum possible environmental regulatory compliance, etc. The conditions of ascent and overturning are derived from geometry, while the sliding condition is derived from statics. Summary. A mathematical model has been created, which makes it possible to describe the tracked vehicle’s travel across the uneven ground and, under known design values of the vehicle, determine the limitary obstacle clearance.