Engineering Optimization of Terrain-Vehicle Systems. A Case Study of a Concept Analysis of a New Amphibian.
Abstract
A new concept of a vehicle which can operate in both a screw mode and a wheel mode has been evaluated in competition with conventional wheeled vehicles, for amphibious operations. The evaluation was performed for a quantitatively defined environment and a number of mission profiles also described in terms of quantitative constraints. The analysis demonstrated the superiority of the wheel-screw vehicle and led to an engineering evaluation of its feasibility, which proved attainable within the existing state of the art. In the analysis, step-by-step procedures were developed using, whenever possible, mathematical models suitable for computer. This operation, it is believed, has established a pattern for the future engineering evaluation of terrain-vehicle systems, and for the optimization of new vehicle concepts. Methodological gaps, inadequacy of input data, and the need for field and laboratory monitoring of the system evaluation are discussed with the purpose of defining confidence levels of predictions. Research programs are suggested which stress the adaptation by various vehicle R and D programs of the new terrain-vehicle system evaluation. In this adaptation it is urged that a new unit be established which would focus, integrate, monitor, and coordinate all the activities of vehicle programs, within the mobility aspect. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0854107
Entities
People
- Mieczyslav G. Bekker