Influence of age-hardening and strain-rate on confined compression and shear behaviour of snow

The problem of assessing mobility performance of tracked or wheeled vehicles over snow is addressed in terms of the capability of the snow to provide flotation and traction capabilities. To obtain input into analyses for energy transfer from the traction element to the supporting snow cover, it is necessary to describe confined compression and shear performances of the snow—recognizing that a large density increase occurs under initial attack of the vehicle traction element. This study provides experimental input and diagrams of energy surfaces describing confined compressive and shear effects related to snow age and initial density.     

“Wheels vs. tracks” – A fundamental evaluation from the traction perspective

The issue of wheeled vehicles vs. tracked vehicles for off-road operations has been a subject of debate for a long period of time. Recent interest in the development of vehicles for the rapid deployment of armed forces has given a new impetus to this debate. While a number of experimental studies in comparing the performances of specific wheeled vehicles with those of tracked vehicles under selected operating environments have been performed, it appears that relatively little fundamental analysis on this subject has been published in the open literature, including the Journal of Terramechanics. This paper is aimed at evaluating the tractive performance of wheeled and tracked vehicles from the standpoint of the mechanics of vehicle–terrain interaction. The differences between a tire and a track in generating thrust are elucidated. The basic factors that affect the gross traction of wheeled and tracked vehicles are identified. A general comparison of the thrust developed by a multi-axle wheeled vehicle with that of a tracked vehicle is made, based on certain simplifying assumptions. As the interaction between an off-road vehicle and unprepared terrain is very complex, to compare the performance of a wheeled vehicle with that of a tracked vehicle realistically, comprehensive computer simulation models are required. Two computer simulation models, one for wheeled vehicles, known as NWVPM, and the other for tracked vehicles, known as NTVPM, are described. As an example of the applications of these two computer simulation models, the mobility of an 8 × 8 wheeled vehicle, similar to a light armoured vehicle (LAV), is compared with that of a tracked vehicle, similar to an armoured personnel carrier (APC). It is hoped that this study will illustrate the fundamental factors that limit the traction of wheeled vehicles in comparison with that of tracked vehicles, hence contributing to a better understanding of the issue of wheels vs. tracks.     

Analytical simulation as a support tool in the decision process “wheels or tracks”

In the development of a weapon system, the maximization of demands concerning features like fire power, armor and mobility often leads to incompatibilities within the overall systems, to an imbalanced design and excessively high cost. The consequence is a decrease in mission availability. Therefore, system analysis utilizing simulation techniques is being used more and more in the early stages of the development process. This paper describes the application of such simulation techniques to practical cases. First, the development of a system is described by which to select wheeled or tracked running gears for combat vehicles considering the compatibility of fire power, armor, mobility and cost. Secondly, the possible upper weight ranges for wheeled combat vehicles are discussed, using analytical modeling of vehicle mobility as a basis. The methods used in these cases can also be applied to non-military problems.     

The Presence of Hydraulic Barriers in Layered Snowpacks: TOUGH2 Simulations and Estimated Diversion Lengths

The distribution of snow across a landscape is an important component in the hydrologic cycle of many mountainous watersheds. Snow-dominated streams will vary in timing and volume of peak flow depending on when the snow melts and the lag time for the meltwater to reach the stream. As a snowpack accumulates during winter months, variable layers with different hydraulic properties can form hydraulic barriers. Hydraulic barriers were simulated in this study using data from three snow pits located in the Spring Creek Intensive Study Area (part of the NASA CLPX dataset) of Colorado. Data for north, south, and relatively flat aspect slopes were chosen to represent the variable metamorphism that occurs under different conditions. Simulations were conducted at steady-state infiltration rates of 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 mm/h using the EOS9 module of TOUGH2. Additional diversion length estimates were calculated using existing soil physics approximations for capillary barriers. Results demonstrate that conditions are present within a layered snowpack to produce multiple permeability and capillary barriers, though capillary barriers were only identified in simulations on the north aspect snowpack. Diversion lengths of capillary barriers ranged from 1.0 m to greater than 25 m, and permeability barriers ranged from 2.5 to 9.5 m. Furthermore, a grain size of 0.6 mm or less in the layer above an interface is necessary to produce a capillary barrier. These results suggest that during snowmelt water has high potential to be redistributed downslope prior to infiltrating the ground surface. A better understanding of a snowpack as porous media will improve future hydrologic modeling.     

Development of a tracked vehicle to study the influence of vehicle parameters on tractive performance in soft terrain

This paper describes a new special tracked vehicle for use in studying the influence of different vehicle parameters on mobility in soft terrain; particularly muskegg and deep snow. A field test in deep snow was carried out to investigate the influence of nominal ground pressure on tractive performance of the vehicle. The vehicle proved useful for studying vehicle parameters influencing the tractive performance of tracked vehicles. The tests show that the nominal ground pressure has a significant effect on the tractive performance of tracked vehicles in deep snow. The decrease in drawbar pull coefficient when the nominal ground pressure is increased and originates at about the same amount from a decrease of the vehicle thrust coefficient, an increase of the belly drag coefficient and an increase of the track motion resistance coefficient.     

Prediction of impacts of wheeled vehicles on terrain

Traffic of off-road vehicles can disturb soil, decrease vegetation development, and increase soil erosion. Terrain impacts caused by wheeled off-road vehicles were studied in this paper. Models were developed to predict terrain impacts caused by wheeled vehicles in terms of disturbed width and impact severity. Disturbed width and impact severity are not only controlled by vehicle types and vehicle dimensions, but also influenced by soil conditions and vehicle dynamic properties (turning radius, velocity). Field tests of an eight-wheeled vehicle and a four-wheeled vehicle were conducted to test these models. Field data of terrain–vehicle interactions in different vehicle dynamic conditions were collected. Vehicle dynamic properties were derived from a global position system (GPS) based tracking system. The average prediction percentage error of the theoretical disturbed width model is less than 20%. The average absolute error between the predicted impact severity and the measured value is less than an impact severity value of 12%. These models can be used to predict terrain impacts caused by off-road wheeled vehicles.     

The applicability of the MMP concept in specifying off-road mobility for wheeled and tracked vehicles

A review is given of the use of mean maximum pressure (MMP) in specifying off-road performance of vehicles. The need to quote a single mobility criterion which is unbiased in favour of either wheeled or tracked vehicles is recognised. The difficulties which researchers have encountered in developing expressions for MMP for both wheeled and tracked vehicles which correctly describe their relative performance are highlighted. Predictions of MMP for wheeled vehicles are compared with ground pressure measurements for a number of vehicles and it is shown that the MMP parameter does not actually represent the ground pressure accurately. Finally it is argued that the only safe route for the specifier is to quote a range of soil types, conditions and gradients on which the vehicle is to operate. This shifts the responsibility to the designer but also clears the way for innovative design, beyond the constraints of the MMP formulae.     

Development of high-mobility tracked vehicles for over snow operations

This paper describes a detailed investigation into the effects of some of the major design features on the mobility of tracked vehicles over snow. The investigation was carried out using the latest version of an advanced computer simulation model, known as NTVPM, developed under the auspices of Vehicle Systems Development Corporation (VSDC), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Results show that the road wheel system configuration, initial track tension (i.e., the tension in the track system when the vehicle is stationary on a level, hard ground) and track width have significant effects on vehicle mobility over snow. On deep snow where the vehicle belly (hull) contacts the snow surface, the location of the centre of gravity (C.G.) of the sprung weight in the longitudinal direction has a noticeable effect on vehicle mobility, as it affects the attitude of the belly and the belly–snow interaction. Based on the investigation, a conceptual high-mobility tracked vehicle for over snow operations is discussed. Results of this study will provide the vehicle designer with guiding principles for the development of high-mobility tracked vehicles. It also demonstrates that NTVPM is a useful and effective tool for design and performance evaluation of tracked vehicles from a traction perspective.     

Long-term effects of off-road vehicle traffic on tundra terrain

Traffic tests were conducted at two sites in northern Alaska with an air cushion vehicle, two light tracked vehicles, and three types of wheeled Rolligon vehicles. The traffic impact (surface depression, effect on thaw depth, damage to vegetation, traffic signature visibility) was monitored for periods of up to 10 years. Data show the immediate and long-term effects from the various types of vehicles for up to 50 traffic passes and the rates of recovery of the active layer. The air cushion vehicle produced the least impact. Multiple passes with the Rolligons caused longer-lasting damage than the light tracked vehicles because of their higher ground contact pressure and wider area of disturbance. Recovery occurs even if the initial depression of the tundra surface by a track or a wheel is quite deep (15 cm), as long as the organic mat is not sheared or destroyed.     

On vehicle mobility in snow-covered terrain — 1. Problem development and requirements for analysis

The problem of evaluation and prediction of vehicle mobility on snow-covered terrain needs to be studied not on the basis of application of direct technology transfer from vehicle mobility on soil, but on the basis of new perspectives on material (snowpack) properties and response performance. The complexities of snow identification and classification, arising from local environmental control and thermodynamic history, render analogies between snow and soil inapplicable. In addition, it is significant to note that in snow trafficability considerations, the first pass is the worst pass.     

Mobility of a lightweight tracked robot over deep snow

We designed and built a 24-kg tracked robot, named SnoBot, based on the performance of a 1400-kg manned vehicle scaled using Bekker mobility theory. We then documented the mobility of the robot for 10 cases of deep snow and four cases of shallow snow. The scaled predictions agreed well with average sinkage, resistance and traction measured in deep snow and thus gave useful design guidance. Nevertheless, large differences occurred between measured and predicted snow-compaction resistance on individual test days. The behavior of actual snow packs is difficult to capture using simple Bekker theory. Most deep-snow packs showed a linear relationship between pressure and sinkage for small indentation, followed by a steep rise in pressure as indentation compacted the snow against the ground. Also, small strength variations due to icy layers were important. SnoBot traveled easily over ice crusts that were much too weak to support foot travel. The results indicate that a lightweight tracked robot can display excellent deep-snow mobility when ground clearance, motor torque and energy storage allow for proportionally high sinkage and motion resistance compared with larger vehicles.     

Multipass coefficients for terrain impacts based on military vehicle type,size and dynamic operating properties

Quantification of multipass vehicle impacts is needed to determine terrain disturbance during military training. This study, conducted at Fort Riley, Kansas on a clay loam soil, evaluated the multipass terrain impacts of four military vehicles: the M1A1 Main Battle Tank, M998 HMMWV, M985 HEMTT, and M113 APC. Disturbed width and impact severity were assessed along 14 spirals subjected to a maximum of eight passes for a total of 696 impact points. Project goals included evaluating vegetation impacts by tracked and wheeled military vehicles across multiple passes in order to develop coefficients allowing more accurate predictive modeling of vehicle multipass impacts. Multiple passes produce increased vegetative impacts, with multipass coefficients (MPC) ranging from 0.98 to 4.44 depending on vehicle type, size and turn severity. Tracked vehicles were found to have a higher multipass coefficient than wheeled vehicles, with multipass coefficients increasing with vehicle weight and the sharpness of turns. The components of a more theoretical and universal multipass vehicle impact model are discussed. Understanding multipass dynamics will allow land managers to determine the extent and severity of terrain impacts on military training areas and quickly evaluate vehicle environmental impacts when used in conjunction with a GPS-based vehicle tracking system (VTS).     

A study of vehicle performance in snow

The snow trafficability problem is studied by calculating the energy absorbed by snow while being compacted by vehicle tracks. Using a constitutive law for snow which is valid for large volumetric strains and high strain rates, the rate of energy dissipation due to viscoplastic compaction of the snow is calculated and related parametrically to vehicle speed, track loading and snow density. Energy dissipated by shear effects is neglected. The results indicate that such studies can provide design guidelines for track geometry, track loading, and vehicle speed in terms of snowpack properties.     

Comparing the NRMM (VCI), MMP and VLCI traction models

A military vehicle’s ability to traverse soft soil is a significant aspect of its performance. It is therefore important to be able to accurately predict and compare the soft soil performance of wheeled and tracked vehicles. The paper compares the vehicle cone index (VCI) model used in the NATO Reference Mobility Model (NRMM) with the mean maximum pressure (MMP) and vehicle limiting cone index (VLCI) models. The wheeled vehicle models compare reasonably well but the VLCI model for tracked vehicles indicates markedly higher limiting go/no-go soil strengths compared to the VCI and MMP models. Some of the relationships used in the VCI model appear rather irrational and could be significantly simplified. There is a considerable lack of reliable experimental data for tracked vehicles especially in the low traction region.     

An analysis of vehicle power requirements in deep snowpack

Power requirements for tracked vehicles moving in deep medium-to-high density snow are calculated. A volumetric constitutive law is used to determine the energy absorbed by the pressure bulb under the vehicle. Also shearing effects along the pressure bulb wall and in the pressure bulb are taken into account. A parametric study is made to determine the effect of initial density, track pressure, vehicle speed and track geometry on track efficiency. The results show that if the snow material properties are expressible in terms of a constitutive law, the method presented can be of considerable use for predicting certain aspects of vehicle performance in snow and for evaluating the structure of the pressure bulb below the vehicle track.     

Design of lightweight robots for over-snow mobility

Snowfields are challenging terrain for lightweight (<50 kg) ground robots. Deep sinkage, high snow-compaction resistance, traction loss while turning and ingestion of snow into the drive train can cause immobility within a few meters of travel. However, for suitably designed vehicles, deep snow offers a smooth, uniform terrain that can obliterate obstacles. Key requirements for good over-snow mobility are low ground pressure, large clearance relative to vehicle size and a drive system that tolerates moist, compactable snow.A small robot will invariably encounter deep snow relative to its ground clearance and thus must travel over the snow rather than gain support from the underlying surface. This can be accomplished using low-pressure tracks (<1.5 kPa). Even still, snow-compaction resistance can exceed 20% of vehicle weight. Also, despite relatively high traction coefficients for low track pressures, differential or skid steering is difficult because the outboard track can easily break traction as the vehicle attempts to turn against the snow. Short track lengths (relative to track separation) or coupled articulated robots offer steering solutions for deep snow.This paper presents guidance to design lightweight robots for good mobility over snow based on tests of two custom-designed over-snow robots, SnoBot and SnoBot-2, and driving experience with two commercially available robots, PackBot and Talon. Moreover, we used the present guidance to design SnoBot-2, and it displays excellent over-snow mobility. Because many other considerations constrain robot designs, this guidance can also help with development of winterization kits to improve the over-snow performance of existing robots.     

Mobility algorithm evaluation using a consolidated database developed for wheeled vehicles operating on dry sands

A substantial number of laboratory and field tests have been conducted to assess performance of various wheel designs in loose soils. However, there is no consolidated database which includes data from several sources. In this study, a consolidated database was created on tests conducted with wheeled vehicles operating in loose dry sand to evaluate existing soil mobility algorithms. The database included wheels of different diameters, widths, heights, and inflation pressures, operating under varying loading conditions. Nine technical reports were identified containing 5253 records, based on existing archives of laboratory and field tests of wheels operating in loose soils. The database structure was assembled to include traction performance parameters such as drawbar pull, torque, traction, motion resistance, sinkage, and wheel slip. Once developed, the database was used to evaluate and support validation of closed form solutions for these variables in the Vehicle Terrain Interface (VTI) model. The correlation between predicted and measured traction performance parameters was evaluated. Comparison of the predicted versus measured performance parameters suggests that the closed form solutions within the VTI model are functional but can be further improved to provide more accurate predictions for off-road vehicle performance.     

Lateral slide sinkage tests for a tire and a track shoe

Previous field studies have shown the influence of turning vehicles on rut formation or sinkage. In order to further investigate the relationships, laboratory tests were conduced on a 14.5–20.3 6-PR trailer tire and an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) track shoe in sand. Lateral displacements, and resulting lateral forces, were applied to the tire and track shoe under constant normal forces. The tire was pulled laterally and the track shoe was pulled back and forth to represent actual movement during vehicle turning. Results show that the lateral force and lateral displacement generated by turning maneuver affect sinkage severely for wheeled and tracked vehicles. The final sinkage caused by the lateral force for the tire is 3–5 times to the static sinkage. For the track shoe, the final sinkage caused by the lateral displacement is about three times to the static sinkage.     

An approach to computer control for legged vehicles

Observation of the locomotion of animals and human beings in difficult terrain makes it quite obvious that legged locomotion offers substantial mobility advantages over conventional wheeled or tracked systems. However, effective adaptation of legged locomotion principles to off-road vehicles has to date been frustrated by the complexity of the joint coordination control problem and by the lack of suitable sources of power for individual leg joints. This paper is addressed to the first problem and is intended to show that some of the techniques used in aircraft autopilots can be adapted to legged vehicle control. The main results presented are derived from a computer simulation study of a system in which vehicle speed and direction are determined by a human operator while individual joint commands are generated automatically by a digital computer. Present indications are that such a vehicle might be as easy to control as a conventional wheeled or tracked automotive system.