Prediction of the Lifetime of Tank Track Components Using the Accelerated Testing

Abstract

The paper describes an application of the accelerated testing for predicting the lifetime of the continuous tracks for combat vehicles. Combat vehicles tracks are built from modular track links that together compose a closed chain. The joints between adjacent track links have rubber bushes. Therefore, the lifetime of tracks on combat vehicles is determined by the lifetime of rubber bushes. In the test, modular track links with rubber bushes are fitted on a special tool (test rig) which allows the bushes to rotate continuously at an angle corresponding to the one in operating conditions. The paper presents results of the test and their evaluation.