GSE Aids in Diagnosis of M1 Tank Suspension Problem
High stress battle conditions in Iraq have been leading to the failure of a vital suspension component of the M1 Abrams main battle tank. This component is a spindle which connects each road wheel to each road arm (two other suspension components). The spindle is in an extremely constrained location, making it hard to instrument and test. GSE was awarded a contract to quickly and cost effectively instrument, test, and collect data on an M1 Abrams, targeting the suspension road arms. With this information, the cause of failure of the spindle can be determined. Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) assisted in both the vehicle integration and the vehicle testing for this study.

Initially, engineers at GSE built solid models of the road arm and the components that interact with it using Pro/ENGINEER. These solid models were then used with finite element analysis tools to find the theoretical stress and strain in the road arm prior to field testing. Several different loading conditions were used in the initial analysis. This computer modeling and analysis enabled optimum placement of the sensors on the test vehicle.

Next, engineers at GSE set up a digital data acquisition system to gather strain gage, accelerometer, and tachometer data from an actual M1 Abrams main battle tank. In addition, GPS was used to keep track of vehicle position. The M1 was then tested over both paved and dirt conditions at a wide range of speeds. Obstacles, common driving maneuvers, and braking were all incorporated into the testing. The testing put the M1 through the most stressful conditions possible with our testing facilities.

After testing, the process and the results were documented. This documentation included digital pictures and digital video of the testing and test setup. From start to finish, the project was completed in one month. As a result of the quality of work put fourth by GSE and the timeframe the project was completed in, GSE was immediately awarded another contract to further analyze the M1 Abrams main battle tank.