Motion Approach for Turret System Physical Simulation

Physical simulation permits government and contractor engineers to characterize, validate and test a complex weapon system’s many components and subsystems. This is particularly important when new sub-systems and components are in the prototype development stage and integrated into a full weapon system for the first time. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology in creating a motion environment to adequately test a functional turret system in a lab environment using the GVSC’s Crew Station Turret Motion Base Simulator. The simulator is a high-capacity, 6-degrees-of-freedom test device that utilizes computer-controlled hydraulic actuators and a platform to reproduce dynamic conditions encountered by a combat vehicle turret system traversing off-road terrain. The paper presents an iterative technique using the simulator’s measured frequency response functions to achieve a targeted response. Platform error and repeatability are presented which is key for “baseline vs. modified” studies.