Correlation of Prototype and Scale Model Vehicle Performance in Clay Soils

In an attempt to establish correlation between off-road performance of full-size vehicles and scale models in clay type soils by use of a similitude analysis, the U. S. Army Transportation Research Command (TRECOM) conducted a series of vehicle performance tests in three types of cohesive soils for a complete range of moisture content levels. This investigation covered a study of all soil parameters that could affect vehicle performance in low, medium, and high cohesion disaggregated soils, including the effects of vehicle weight, tire design, speed, slip, and soil characteristics on drawbar pull and tire sinkage. The results obtained and experience in testing techniques accumulated from this project are described.