SPECIALIZED MEASURMENT SYSTEM FOR EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF SUSPENSION SYSTEM LOADING CONDITIONS OF A HIGH MOBILITY TRACKED VEHICLES

Abstract

Loading of cushioning systems, as a condition caused by external influences and operating conditions, for highspeed tracked vehicles is determined by the characteristics of the track profile and motion modes. The most reliable estimate of the operational parameters of loading of parts and suspension assemblies is obtained experimentally using specialized measuring equipment. Within the conducted investigations for determining of kinematic and force parameters of loading of the elements of the cushioning system of a 14-ton tracked vehicle while driving on forest ground roads, a measuring system has been developed that realizes estimation of the loading characteristics by the angular position of the suspensions relative to the vehicle body. The measuring system consists of the hardware and software subsystems and records angles of twisting of torsion shafts as a function of time, with subsequent conversion and statistical processing of obtained data into the loading characteristics of elastic elements and suspension arms. According to received sample data, the software subsystem calculates average durability of torsion shafts in order to determine the most loaded suspensions. The advantage of the study is in relative simplicity and versatility. The hardware subsystem and rigging of the sensor equipment attachment do not require making changes in the construction of the undercarriage and allows to carry out investigations on most types of tracked vehicles. The software subsystem can be adapted for studies of loading of tracked machines of different weight categories. Reliability of the test equipment, as well as stability of formation and recording of measuring signals, was evaluated in polygon tests during motion of a tracked vehicle in difficult road conditions along 350 km tracks.