Innovative Wheel Control Technologies for Mechanical Counter Mine Equipment

Explosive Threats (ETs) are a major cause of troop casualties and limit Assured Mobility. Mechanical Simulation International, Inc. (MechSim) proposes to develop innovative wheel control technologies for US Army Mine Roller equipment that will increase the rate of advance while maintaining or improving Mine Roller effectiveness in the defeat of buried pressure plate and ETs. During Phase-I MechSim will conduct a series of studies using modeling and simulation to investigate trends and effectiveness of subsystem level improvements ranging from simple component modifications, such as roller materials and spring and damping rates, to more sophisticated wheel control technologies such as improved suspension geometry, changes in sprung/unsprung mass ratios, and active/semi-active suspension systems. Results from these physics-based virtual experiments will be synthesized into a robust understanding of mine-roller wheel control techniques, trends, and effectiveness at maintaining ground pressure over undulating terrain at various speeds. During Phase-II MechSim will use this knowledge to develop and optimize a modular, scalable and adaptable mine roller wheel control system for current and future counter mine systems. This system will achieve a minimum 50% reduction in wheel hop at a rate of advance of at least 30 kph and will seek to meet the desired rate of 100 kph.