military tank wheel design scholar article

The system is a precursor to development of the axle, which keeps a rotating cylinder fixed relative to its cargo.

The logs are carried from the back of the procession to the front in an endless chain, like continuous track. The logs were grooved near their ends to be held in alignment and rotation by belts out past the edge of the megalith and lubricated by some means, probably organic. Perhaps the oldest implementation of something resembling continuous tracks is to be found in theories of prehistoric erection of large stone monuments, when megaliths may have been slid atop rounded wooden logs. Lombard Steam Log Hauler (Designed, patented 1901)ĭavid Roberts tracked steam tractor c.1908 Special tracks that incorporate rubber pads can be installed for use on paved surfaces to prevent the damage that can be caused by all-metal tracks.Ĭontinuous tracks can be traced back as far as 1770 and today are commonly used on a variety of vehicles including bulldozers, excavators, tanks, and tractors, but can be found on any vehicle used in an application that can benefit from the added traction, low ground pressure and durability inherent in continuous track propulsion systems. The aggressive treads of the tracks provide good traction in soft surfaces but can damage paved surfaces. The prominent treads of the metal plates are both hard-wearing and damage resistant, especially in comparison to rubber tires. The large surface area of the tracks distributes the weight of the vehicle better than steel or rubber tires on an equivalent vehicle, enabling a continuous tracked vehicle to traverse soft ground with less likelihood of becoming stuck due to sinking. This band is typically made of modular steel plates in the case of military vehicles, or rubber reinforced with steel wires in the case of lighter agricultural or construction vehicles.

A closeup of continuous tracks on a bulldozerĪn agricultural tractor with rubber tracksĬontinuous track, also called tank tread or caterpillar track, is a system of vehicle propulsion in which a continuous band of treads is driven by two or more wheels.

Military tank wheel design scholar article