Re: suspension [TANKS] A TyngTech Point of View

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-rctankcombat.com>]

OdysseySlipways-at-aol.com wrote:
> i always thought for testing springs for the tank (once it's completely 
> built of course) to take the total tank weight (i'd add about another 50 
> pounds to take into the tanks moment force while moving - i know it 
> should probably be more, but), divide it by the number of road wheel 
> support arms (notice i didn't say wheel count) and that's how much 
> weight you should be able to hang from a spring to cause it to start to move
>  
> or is this thought wrong and would make for too stiff of a ride?

Nope, you're on the right track.  My personal equation is:

        Spring Strength = (2xW)/N
where
        W = vehicle weight
        N = number of wheels

assuming you're not using the now-patented Tyng "pre-bottomed-out" approach.

That allows you to adjust the lever arm or pivot point as needed to 
tweak the system.  Basing the springs on twice the vehicle weight means 
that the suspension will be sitting at the midpoint when at rest.

With regard to damping suspensions:  I don't think it's been a major 
problem in practice for those vehicles with suspension.  With 100+ pound 
vehicles, the springs are stiff enough that they don't bounce very long 
anyway once the vehicle stops moving.  And, while the vehicle is moving, 
the bouncing is far less than the jolts caused by the battlefield.

        Frank P.