Fast parametric modeling of visualized simulation and design for tracked vehicle system

Abstract

The burgeoning demand for efficient and accurate design methodologies in the engineering domain has been accentuated by the complexities inherent in the development of tracked vehicle systems. Despite the advent of virtual prototyping and computer-aided design technologies, challenges persist in achieving rapid parametric modeling of these systems, particularly due to their intricate assembly requirements and dynamics simulations. This paper develops a novel fast parametric modeling plugin for the simulation and design of tracked vehicle systems. It integrates advanced visualization techniques and an automatic assembly algorithm. Utilizing the open-source Open CASCADE library, the developed plugin facilitates sophisticated manipulations of 3D models. Leveraging an integrated Python console editor, the Python scripts are seamlessly converted into Open Inventor scripts and are rendered via the Coin3D engine. Ultimately, the model is displayed within the Qt graphical user interface framework. The key finding is the creation of the automatic assembly algorithm, which starts from an individual track link and automatically constructs a continuous track assembly. The case studies illustrate the systematic application of the parametric modeling technology in the dynamic modeling and optimization of a representative tracked vehicle, highlighting the plugin's efficiency and the accuracy. By employing a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm to optimize the geometric parameters of wheels and tracks, the vehicle vibration has been reduced. The unique value of this paper lies in its contribution to the field of vehicle engineering through the provision of a robust parametric modeling tool that enhances the efficiency of virtual simulation and design processes.