ABSTRACT
Suspension system of high mobility tracked vehicles is often fitted with torsion bars and
hydraulic shock absorbers. Characteristics of these elements have a great effect on
shocks and vibration resulting from drive of vehicles over irregular terrain. This study is
concerned with evaluation of the stiffness of torsion bar of Armored Personnel Carrier
M113 and how it can be affected by road configuration and vehicle speed. A complete
test rig equipped with a complete measuring system has been designed and
manufactured to measure the moment acting on torsion bar and the corresponding twist
angle. The measured parameters are used to evaluate vehicle suspension
characteristics. The frequency and amplitude of an arbitrary rigid terrain profile with
constant vehicle speed are introduced in the test rig by adapting the rotating speed and
the profile of rig driving cam. Design and simulation of the test rig were carried out by
the aid of ADAMS program.