Mechanics of Off-the-Road Locomotion:

Off-the-road locomotion has always been, an important part of technology and economics. Yet it has never been treated within a comprehensive theoretical approach. Space research, and in particular preparations for the exploration of the surface of the moon, have in a sense dramatized the issue. As the trial and error method is not applicable in the latter case, theoretical work and research in simulated lunar conditions have already started. New emphasis on off-road mobility on this planet, stressed from commercial and military viewpoints, has also contributed to the growing interest in this area.Early work on the mechanics of off-the-road locomotion started in 1913 in Germany and in 1943 in England, and laid the first cornerstones for a theoretical approach. The solid foundation for the development of the mechanics of soil-vehicle relationship, however, was first established between 1944 and 1950 in Canada. On that foundation the first general outline of a theory which covers all the physical phenomena p...