Soft terrain CFD simulation for tracked vehicles

This study demonstrates the possibility of implementing a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) approach to study the behavior of a tracked vehicle when it moves on a soft terrain, such as mud, snow, or other. The advantage of tracked vehicles is their ability to move efficiently on unpaved terrains. It is well known that the power requirement increases approximately with the cube of sinkage; therefore, having a suitable track to move within a specific type of terrain is of great relevance. This paper aims to propose a simulation and calculation method for studying various track geometries based on the terrain in which the vehicle will operate. By examining the track of an existing tank, the Abrams M1, with various parameters and essential data available for this verification, the necessary simulations are carried out. By investigating the case of a soft terrain, which has a much lower density than the paved one, the track can be assumed as a rigid body and the mud will be the fluid that surrounds it at a uniform velocity. In this way, a CFD simulation can be carried out. This process will output the true sinkage, the hull position and the power required.