THE PROBLEM FIELD OF AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE DESIGN: KEY CHALLENGES AND ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

This review article addresses the challenges involved in designing amphibious vehicles and the engineering solutions to overcome them. Amphibious vehicles are unique systems that must operate effectively in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, which imposes significant demands on their design, including versatile transmissions, propulsion systems, and robust structural solutions. The purpose of this article is to analyze key issues in amphibious vehicle design and propose engineering solutions to enhance their performance and reliability. The article is organized into several sections, each addressing a critical aspect of amphibious vehicle development. The first section discusses transmission and powertrains, focusing on the challenges of operating in two environments with varying resistance to motion. Problems related to shifting between land and water propulsion systems are explored, with a focus on optimizing transmission efficiency across different operating modes. The second section examines propulsion systems and maneuverability, outlining the primary propulsion mechanisms used in amphibious vehicles, such as wheels, tracks, waterjets, screws, and paddles. The article emphasizes the need to balance land mobility and water maneuverability, with solutions for adapting propulsion systems to suit diverse operational conditions. In the section on hull design, the focus is on ensuring buoyancy, structural integrity, and water-tightness for operations on water, while also maintaining the strength required for effective land-based movement. Considerations of weight, payload capacity, and buoyancy balance are also discussed. The article dedicates significant attention to vibration and dynamic loads, which affect the performance of amphibious vehicles. The impact of vibrations on the transmission and suspension, as well as the dynamic overloads during water entry and beaching, are analyzed. Resonance phenomena and their potential effects on the vehicle structure are also considered. The ergonomics and safety of amphibious vehicles are covered, highlighting the importance of comfort and control in various conditions, crew evacuation systems, and compliance with safety standards. Economic efficiency and operational longevity are analyzed, including the energy efficiency of powertrains, resistance to corrosion and wear, and ease of maintenance. These factors ensure the long-term viability and cost-effectiveness of amphibious vehicles. The environmental aspects of amphibious vehicle design are discussed, focusing on minimizing emissions, noise pollution, and impact on ecosystems, as well as the use of sustainable materials and technologies. The conclusion summarizes the challenges in amphibious vehicle design and proposes future solutions to improve their functionality, efficiency, and environmental impact, outlining areas for further research.