A Model-Based Approach for Setting the Initial Angle of the Drive Axles in a 4 × 4 High Mobility Wheeled Vehicle

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the driveline operation of a high-mobility Jelcz 442.32 wheeled vehicle, which uses rigid drive axles connected to drive shafts with two universal joints (another name for the Cardan joints) due to the occurrence of kinematic incompatibility. The conditions for the correct connection of the drive shafts with two universal joints (Cardan joints) were presented, and the kinematic ratio of the complete drive shaft was defined. In the analysis of kinematic incompatibility regarding (but not limited to) the method of loading the vehicle, selected characteristic conditions of vehicle movement and the initial values of the angular setting of the rigid driving axles in relation to the vehicle body were presented. It has been shown that, in the analyzed vehicle, the kinematic incompatibility in the driveline is constantly present, and the value of this incompatibility, represented by the temporary ratio of drive shafts, depends on, among other things, the ways of loading the vehicle, the existing conditions of vehicle movement, and the type of ground. Moreover, the value of the arising kinematic incompatibility was noticed to be highly influenced by the correct manufacturing and assembly of the vehicle springs.