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Modern Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques allow for accurate simulation of various non-linear systems. However they are limited in their simulation of particulate matter. This research uses smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) in addition to FEA techniques to model the properties of soils, which allows for particle-level replication of soils. Selected soils are simulated in a virtual environment and validated using the pressure-sinkage and shear tests. A truck tire model is created based on standard heavy vehicle tires and validated using static deflection, contact footprint, and dynamic first mode of vibration tests. The validated tires and soils are used to create a virtual terrain and the tire is placed on the soil, loaded, and run over the soil at various speeds. The results of these simulations show that the SPH modeling technique offers higher accuracy than comparable FEA models for soft soils at a higher computational cost.

Off-road vehicle performance of a multi-wheeled 8×8 combat vehicle is strongly affected by the tire-terrain interaction characteristics. Soft soil reduces traction and modifies vehicle handling; therefore tire dynamics play a strong role in off-road mobility evaluation. In this paper three-dimensional, non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) off-road tire models are developed using PAM-CRASH and the general trends of vertical load-deflection, cornering characteristics and aligning moment on rigid terrains are predicted and compared with published, measured data of a similar tire for validation purposes. The FEA off-road tire models are used to investigate the multi-pass behavior of the wheels running and steering on soft terrain. The steering characteristics of the multi-wheels are also predicted for the purpose of the development of tire-soft soil empirical equations for future research work.

This work describes the design and testing of side underride protection devices (SUPD) for tractor-trailers and straight trucks. Its goal is to reduce the incompatibility between small passenger cars and these large vehicles during side collisions. The purpose of these crash attenuating guards is to minimize occupant injury and passenger compartment intrusion. The methods presented utilize a regulation previously created and published for testing the effectiveness of these devices based on the principles of a force application device already implemented in the Canadian rear underride guard regulation. Topology and multi-objective optimization design processes are outlined using a proposed design road map to create the most feasible SUPD. The test vehicle in question is a 2010 Toyota Yaris which represents the 1100C class of vehicle from the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH).