The potential use of organic composite materials for various components in the M1/M1A1 tank to save weight is examined. Components incorporating these materials may be designed to replace components currently fabricated from steel or aluminum. A total of 49 M1/M1A1 components have been examined. Weight reduction will result in longer suspension component life. In particular, track pad and torsion bar life will increase, and life cycle costs will be reduced for these components. Drivetrain reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) should also increase as the tank is lightened, and overall operating costs will be reduced.
Organic Composite Applications for the M1/M1A1
1986
84 pages
Report
No indication
English
Composite Materials , Engineering Materials , Combat Vehicles , Composite materials , Tanks(Combat vehicles) , Organic materials , Flammability , Weight reduction , Figure of merit , Long life , Vehicle tracks , Pads(Cushions) , Torsion bars , Life cycle costs , Cost effectiveness , Drives , M-1 tanks , M-1A1 tanks
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