Here are my rules of thumb, based on experience with suspensions in the
SU-100 (tension springs), Semovente (leaf springs) and Patton (torsion
springs).
1) Estimate (or measure) the battle weight of your tank (W). Multiply
by two (2) and divide by the number of road-wheel axles (A) to determine
the "minimum" weight per axles (WPA(min) = 2 * W / A)
2) The minimum weight per axle, WPA(min), is a good starting point.
Each suspension will be at 50% of travel when sitting still and will be
able to move 50% more under dynamic loads. The WPA(min) is a nice
looking suspension for video purpose, easily riding up and down when
going over objects. Great for that "that's neat" suspension video, but
not as good for real battle-field situations, like flying over a large
tree root at full speed.
3) For a little stiffer suspension, multiply by 4 to yield WPA(stiff) =
4 * W / A. In that case, each suspension will be about 25% depressed
when the tank is sitting still and will be able to travel 3 times
further under dynamic loads. The video doesn't look as nice, but the
suspension will take more abuse and there is less chance of deforming
the suspension springs (be they compression, tension, leaf or torsion)
during a real battle.
The SU-100 has been using a WPA(min) suspension for many, many years and
it's still working well. But, keep in mind that the SU-100 has
historically been the slowest tank on the battlefield, so it wasn't
flying over tree roots and having to land hard. It also has mechanical
limits to absorb the really big shocks without damaging the springs.
The Semovente and Patton both started out using WPA(min) suspensions,
but both have been increased to WPA(stiff) suspensions after initial
field tests. Because they rely on leaf and torsion springs without
mechanical stops the stiffer springs are needed to prevent deformation
of the springs during heavy load events.
On 6/11/2014 2:36 PM, Don Shankin wrote:
I'm curious about what I should expect to be using for springs for my
suspension. Are you all balancing the overall effective spring force to
the weight of your tank? This seems like something that is just
discovered through trial and error, but I'd be interested in what you
find works best.
--
--
You are currently subscribed to the "R/C Tank Combat" group.
To post a message, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe, send email to [email protected]
Visit the group at http://groups.google.com/group/rctankcombat
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "R/C Tank Combat" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
