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voyager221
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Why is it when a tread on one side of a tank stops the other side which is still moving will 'skid' in the direction of that tread? This is used to steer a tank but what is the physics behind this please
The track is powered, but forced to not move. My guess is that the original post implies that the tank does not pivot about the stopped track, but turns and moves in a circle with a slightly greater radius, which would mean the inner track gets dragged forward a bit as the tank turns.sophiecentaur said:If one track is not powered then I can't think of a situation where the tank would do other than steer in the direction of the stationary track.
In this cased "braked", but I'm not sure how braking is implemented for a tank.sophiecentaur said:Do you mean 'powered' or 'braked'?
rcgldr said:My guess is that the original post implies that the tank does not pivot about the stopped track, but turns and moves in a circle with a slightly greater radius, which would mean the inner track gets dragged forward a bit as the tank turns.
They don't. Yet, you still have to apply clutch and brake to make the turns happen. I'm a bit fuzzy on details myself, since I've never operated one. Just what I've been told by my grandfather.sophiecentaur said:The track system is very inefficient, I think. I bet they don't freewheel very well.
Only from being stopped. Just like a car going forward can't be put in reverse, you can't put a track in reverse gear while that track still rolls forward. You have to bring it to the stop, or at least near enough, and then reverse. At full speed, turns are done with brakes.I think that when they want to turn really tightly, they will reverse one track
Differential steering is a method of steering a tank or other tracked vehicle by controlling the speed of the tracks on each side independently. This allows for precise turning and maneuvering.
Differential steering works by varying the speed of the tracks on each side of the tank. When one track moves faster than the other, the tank will turn in the direction of the slower track.
Using differential steering allows for more precise and controlled turns, as well as the ability to turn in place. It also reduces wear and tear on the tracks and tires, as they do not need to be dragged along the ground during turns.
One potential disadvantage is that it requires more complex control systems and can be more difficult to operate for inexperienced drivers. It also may not be as effective on very rough or uneven terrain.
Yes, differential steering is used in a variety of tracked vehicles, including bulldozers, excavators, and some off-road vehicles. It is also used in some specialized cars for racing and stunt driving.