| Summary: | This thesis work was carried out at Volvo 3P, 26200 Advanced Engineering, Gothenburg during the time November 2005 – May 2006. It was a part of the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at Luleå University of Technology. The thesis work focused on implementation of a new steering concept to an otherwise regular Volvo FM truck. The steering concept was considered interesting in applications where low ground pressure or good off-road performance is important. The performance of the concept, mainly in terms of steering capabilities, vehicle stability and off-road performance was to be predicted. Other areas such as transmission layout and axle configuration were also to be considered. Basic rules and restrictions concerning the design were set. With these restrictions, a mathematical model was constructed. With this model the steering performance could be predicted for any vehicle, regardless of its dimensions. Two concept vehicles, one 6x6 and one 8x6, were designed in ProEngineer and their performance was studied in detail. The need of front-wheel drive could not be fully determined and therefore the optimal transmission configuration could not be defined. Since the 8x6 vehicle where designed with a steered rear axle, the turning ability of this vehicle is slightly superior to the turning ability of the 6x6 vehicle. The transmission layout and front axle configuration should be examined with dynamic analysis to fully understand the tractive requirements of the front axle. Validerat; 20101217 (root)
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