Six by Six Terrain Vehicle for Optimal Mass, Geometric Configuration and Tractive Efficiency
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This paper presents a new design methodology for determining the optimal mass, geometric configuration and wheel power distribution of a 6x6 terrain vehicle, in order to provide the vehicle with optimized traction.The educational aspect of this paper is to motivate and integrate student learning process through mathematical models and equations for design.The methodology is realized using a mathematical model of a 6x6 wheel drive tractor satisfying the off-road profile.The methodology is used to find the optimum co-ordinates for the center of gravity and optimum arrangements of the middle axle wheels along the tractor.The optimal tractive efficiency is then achieved by optimizing the geometric coordinates. Educational value of the paperThis paper is basically an analysis-based learning approach to motivate and integrate student learning process.This approach will increase student"s motivation because it introduces the engineering content early in the curriculum and helps them understand the concepts practically.This analysis is initially performed as an independent study at a graduate curriculum.A graduate student worked upon this lesson-study allowed him to better understand the concepts like moment of inertia, damping and center of gravity in real-time applications.So, this would definitely be helpful for undergraduate students taking mechanical vibration, dynamics and vehicle design classes.The students could study the location of various components and understand how the selection of spring-stiffness, damping, axle coefficients, and distance between axles could have impact on the performance characteristics of the vehicle.This work would definitely serve as a guideline for students interested in doing vehicle design projects.The work could be used as a reference for the students of the Mini-Baja and Formula-SAE projects in the Mechanical Engineering Department.This paper delivers a mathematical model with analytical equations that provides a various options for designing acceptable vehicle models.Further research and simulations need to be performed for a detailed study.This approach will give undergraduate and graduate engineering students better scope on designing concepts and they will have more knowledge on the fundamentals.This approach will also allow students to: i) tolerate ambiguity that shows up in viewing design as inquiry or as an iterative loop of divergent-convergent thinking, ii) maintain
Authors: Gemunu Happawana, Arvind Gopi
Institution: California State University, Fresno
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4409667488