Prediction of Track Tension when Traversing an Obstacle

Slow, steady state, negotiation of an obstacle by a military tracked vehicle has been identified as a cause of large increases in track tension. A two-dimensional, finite-element model was formulated to predict track tension in a double-pin track used on the M60 tank. Increases in track tension produced by obstacles between road wheels and directly under a road wheel were assessed. Experimental results validated the accuracy of the finite-element technique. Variations in several of the tank and track properties provided quantitative insight into the causes of high track tension.