Abstract
dc:description.abstractOutlined herein is the Modular Vehicle [MODV] concept as a cost effective, utilitarian, and highly functional vehicle concept for the changing demands placed on a MAGTF [Marine Air-Ground Task Force] or SP-MAGTF [Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force] in the 21st century. A large focus is put on the importance of modularity and cost effectiveness of having a 24 hour configurable vehicle to a specific mission and area of operation. Off-road vehicle progression through history is presented and successful design features are noted in order to develop underlying goals for the modular vehicle. The thesis emphasizes recent technology advancements that can shift the foundations of vehicle design including wheel hub motors, high capacity batteries, solid oxide fuel cells, autonomy, structural health monitoring, energy harvesting shock absorbers, non-pneumatic tires, and drive-by-wire options. Predictions on the outlook for the technology progressions is discussed to give insight into the viability of basing a vehicle concept on these technologies. Finally, physical design bounds are presented to provide a foundation for the future design of such a vehicle.
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Science
- Level thesis:degree_level
- masters
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Engineering Mechanics
- Department dc:contributor.department
- Engineering Science and Mechanics
- Grantor dc:publisher
- Virginia Tech
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2015
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Rue, Timothy James
- Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
-
- Wicks, Alfred L.
- Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
-
- Case, Scott W.
- Cramer, Mark S.
Subjects
dc:subject × 12Rights
dc:rights- Statement dc:rights
-
- In Copyright
- Licence dc:rights.uri
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Dc Identifier Other
- vt_gsexam:4251
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/51219