Method for calculating the integral mobility index of wheeled all-terrain vehicles based on the multi-criteria optimization method

Among the existing variety the problem of comparison of several samples of automotive equipment capable of performing their functions under certain conditions and under the specified operating conditions often arises, and, consequently, the problem of choice of the optimal design solution. This entails the need to develop a methodology for assessing the quality, which would make it possible for each sample under consideration to match a quantitative indicator displaying its operational properties and functionality. In this study, the authors set themselves the following goal — developing a universal methodic that allows to calculate the mobility index of automotive equipment considering only the structural features, that is, in the conditions of their operation on a solid road surface without taking into account the conditions of rough terrain. Based on analytical data displaying the technical characteristics of the machines, such as speed, braking and traction properties, controllability and maneuverability, stability, smoothness, patency, etc. empirical criteria are constructed, then the simplest indicators are aggregated into integral one, taking into account the weight of their contribution to the mobility indicator. Using the obtained methodology, the mobility indicators for a number of models of wheeled all-terrain vehicles were calculated, the ranked vehicle series are given according to this indicator.