Theoretical Dynamics Modeling of Pitch Motion and Obstacle-Crossing Capability Analysis for Articulated Tracked Vehicles Based on Myriapod Locomotion Mechanism
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Myriapods achieve remarkable obstacle-crossing capability through inter-segment pitch adjustment and coordinated anterior-posterior propulsion, providing valuable biomimetic inspiration for engineering design. Articulated tracked vehicles, connecting front and rear units via pitch mechanisms, exhibit functional similarity to myriapod body segments. This study develops a comprehensive dynamic model for articulated tracked vehicle pitch motion to reveal its biomimetic connection with myriapod locomotion. A quadratic-function-based non-uniform track-ground contact pressure distribution method with zero-gradient boundary conditions is proposed, effectively eliminating the non-physical negative pressure issue inherent in traditional assumptions. Systematic analyses reveal that the front unit provides primary traction under pitch-up conditions, forming a front-pulling-rear driving mode, while the rear unit dominates under pitch-down and acceleration conditions, forming a rear-pushing-front driving mode. Through pitch attitude adjustment, the maximum surmountable vertical-wall height increased from 263 to 593 mm, representing a 125.45% improvement. This traction distribution pattern closely matches the anterior-guidance and posterior-propulsion mechanism observed in myriapod locomotion. This study quantitatively validates the functional analogy between articulated tracked vehicle pitch dynamics and myriapod inter-segment coordination, providing theoretical foundations for bio-inspired tracked vehicle design.
Source: Biomimetics
Authors: Ningyi Li, Xixia Liu, Hongqian Chen, Yu Zhang, Shaoliang Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,654
OpenAlex ID: W7128005852