Design for a Composite Sprocket Carrier for the LVT-7 Amphibian Vehicle

摘要

A composite sprocket carrier for the Marine Corps LVT-7 amphibian vehicle uses a graphite/epoxy composite, produced by wet filament winding followed by compression molding at high temperature to compact and cure the matrix. Stainless steel inserts are used to resist corrosion and creep at the interfaces between the component and the vehicle. Stress analysis of the composite component has been carried out using a NASTRAN finite element computer model. This analysis reveals generally satisfactory stress levels, with safety factors in excess of 2.5. The most highly stressed area is found to be the rim of the carrier, where the sprocket rings are mounted. When the restraining effect of the rings is taken into account, stresses in the area are considered acceptable. The production techniques established for this design provide and economic means for the volume production of the composite sprocket carrier. Keywords: Combat vehicles, Composites, Suspensions. (sdw)