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This paper describes the development of a hybrid-computer simulation of a recreational snowmobile. The vehicle has been mathematically represented by a displacement-driven, damped nonlinear spring-mass system with two degrees of freedom. The analog circuit and the logic level control system of the analog/hybrid computer is discussed. The use of a hybrid system using Hytran Operational Interpreter to perform OFF-LINE and ON-LINE checks is also discussed. Finally, a method to display a visual representation of the vehicle on an oscilloscope screen is presented. The simulation permits vehicle designers to vary at will the various design parameters and to observe immediately the effect of so doing.

A high-speed motion picture analysis of a typical snowmobile suspension system has been conducted. The bogie wheel system at the vehicle track and the leaf springs at the skis have both been examined as the vehicle traversed a prescribed ground profile. The technique has proven to be quite useful in determining the effectiveness of the suspension system. Several tentative recommendations for improving vehicle stability have been made as a result of this study.