Experimental analysis of energy flow during the safe acceleration of a tracked vehicle

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental analysis of energy flow during the safe acceleration of an MT-LB tracked vehicle. The aim of the study was to determine changes in the energy and dynamic parameters of motion and to evaluate the efficiency of the mechanical energy supplied by the drive system. The research was conducted under field conditions on a paved surface using a measurement system capable of recording instantaneous values of torque, drive shaft rotational speeds, and vehicle speed.
Based on the recorded data, the wave forms of mechanical power, mechanical energy, kinetic energy, and dissipated energy in the vehicle-road system were determined. Additionally, an analysis of instantaneous power flow was conducted, covering the power delivered by the engine, the power of the vehicle’s kinetic energy increase, and the power of energy losses. The results showed that the acceleration process is characterized by significant variability in energy parameters, and only a portion of the mechanical energy delivered by the engine is used to increase the vehicle’s kinetic energy. The remaining energy is dissipated in the form of losses occurring in the drive system, the running gear, and during the interaction of the tracks with the ground.
The analysis confirmed the usefulness of energy parameters in evaluating the acceleration process of tracked vehicles and identifying the phases of motion characterized by the highest energy consumption. The results obtained may serve as a basis for further research on the energy efficiency and operational safety of tracked vehicles.