Analysis of Unilateral Track Movement for Tracked Unmanned Combat Vehicles

ABSTRACT With the increasing deployment of unmanned combat vehicles (UCVs) in modern warfare, it is noteworthy that these vehicles differ from manned vehicles in their susceptibility to damage from antipersonnel mines or antiarmor weapons. Such attacks can lead to the breakage of a single track, rendering on‐site repairs impractical. Consequently, unilateral track movement emerges as a critical strategy for UCVs to continue combat operations or retreat to maintenance facilities after sustaining such damage. To investigate the ultimate conditions and steering capabilities under unilateral track motion, we established and analyzed a dynamic model. The study provides methodologies for calculating maximum angular displacement during sudden acceleration or deceleration under various operational scenarios. Furthermore, based on parameters such as vehicle torque, optimal steering control strategies were derived. To validate the feasibility of unilateral track movement, dynamic simulations were conducted using ADAMS software, and experimental prototypes were fabricated for empirical testing. The results indicate that turning through sudden acceleration is significantly more efficient than turning via sudden deceleration. This finding corroborates the accuracy of the theoretical analysis and simulation outcomes, thereby offering valuable reference points for the future design and development of UCVs.