Book
Heavy-Duty Wheeled Vehicles: Design, Theory, Calculations
2014-01-27
Heavy-duty wheeled vehicles (HDWVs) are all-wheel-drive vehicles that carry 25 tons or more and have three or more axles. They transport heavy, bulky cargo such as raw minerals, timber, construction materials, pre-fabricated modules, weapons, combat vehicles, and more. HDWVs are used in a variety of industries (mining, logging, construction, energy) and are critical to a country’s economy and defense. These vehicles have unique development requirements due to their high loads, huge dimensions, and specific operating conditions. Hauling efficiencies can be improved by increasing vehicle load capacity; however capacities are influenced by legislation, road limits, and design. Designing HDWVs differs from other multi-purpose all-wheel-drive vehicles. The chassis must be custom-designed to suit the customer’s particular purpose. The number of axles is another variable, as well as which ones are driving and which are driven. Tires are also customizable.
