Title: Numerical study on whole body vibration evaluation in wheeled and tracked armoured vehicles

Authors: Leonardo Menna Barreto Martinelli; Mário Fedatto Neto; Herbert Martins Gomes

Addresses: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite, 425, sala 202, 20. Andar, Porto Alegre, 900500-170, RS, Brazil ' Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite, 425, sala 202, 20. Andar, Porto Alegre, 900500-170, RS, Brazil ' Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Sarmento Leite, 425, sala 202, 20. Andar, Porto Alegre, 900500-170, RS, Brazil

Abstract: The vibration felt by humans can cause discomfort or even produce damage to health. It depends on exposure time, intensity and frequency content. Armoured vehicles are equipment that produce high whole body vibration (WBV) and Impact Vibration (IV) levels. Numerical modelling of the vehicle's vertical dynamics is an adequate tool for the initial design and to evaluate the vibration levels in diverse terrain situations, speed and occupant positioning. In this work, three armoured vehicles are modelled travelling on irregular roads. Comparisons between the vehicles for acceleration levels are performed in terms of WBV and IV. Discussions about each vehicle results are presented along with graphs for ground reaction forces, and acceleration signals at vehicle's body and seats. The analysis of comfort and health risks shows that there is a gradation regarding comfort levels in the investigated vehicles. The tracked vehicle indicates high probability of health risk for training scenarios.

Keywords: vehicle suspension; armoured vehicles; WBV; whole body vibration; tracked vehicles; comfort.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2021.115586

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2021 Vol.28 No.2, pp.137 - 157

Received: 19 Dec 2018
Accepted: 07 Jun 2019
Published online: 11 Jun 2021 *

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