Search

Conceptual designs of two laboratory test systems, one for testing full-size tank-track shoes, a second for testing coupons are described. Both systems are capable of simulating the various loading scenarios experienced during tank maneuvers. Details of tests performed with the M1 tank at Yuma Proving Ground to evaluate the T156 pads are presented. A frame-by-frame analysis of movies taken of these tests was made and the results are discussed. A laboratory test system was built at LLNL to duplicate the testing performed by The Aerospace Corporation on the T142 shoes. A description of this LLNL test system together with some preliminary results obtained on testing T156 shoes are presented. Some apparent differences in the response of the T156 and T142 shoes are shown to exist. Recommendations for future studies are made. Keywords: Combat vehicles, Tanks(Combat vehicles), Elastomers, Field simulation, Field tests, Simulated tests, Laboratory testing.