A multi-wheeled tracked vehicle is modeled as an in-plane, dynamic system and its parameter design studied by the Taguchi technique. The effect of track is considered through the relation of tension and excess track length hanging between the sprocket and the idler. For the behavior of soil under normal and shear loading, an experimental terra-mechanical constitutive relation is taken.
Regarding parameter design, several objective functions are suggested. The vertical acceleration at the center of mass and the stabilization time after firing are studied in detail. A sensitivity analysis for 26 design parameters is made by the Taguchi method and optimal design selected. The overall procedure used for analysis and design is shown effective and practically applicable to the design of complex suspension system.
