[ODE] Tank simulation how?

[Nate W]

On Mon, 4 Aug 2003, [iso-8859-2] Csáki Péter wrote:

> I'm using ode for my vehicle physics but now I need help from you. I
> was thinking that a series of wheels would produce the needed effect
> (they are not rendered in 3d). I wanted to set the wheel's speed
> differently for both sides. For example the left wheels rotate forward
> and the right wheels rotate backward. I thought it would rotate the
> vehicle. But it is not working as I expected.

I have created 6-wheel vehicles that work this way.  Do the wheels turn at
all when you try to steer the vehicle?  If not, try turning up the FMax on
the axles, or try turning down the friction between the wheel and
ground.  If they are spinning, but the vehicle is not steering, try
increasing the ground friction.

If you have 6 wheels, try making the middle wheels slightly larger than
the wheels at the front and back.  This would probably help with 8-wheeled
vehicles too (increase the diameter of the 4 wheels in the middle) but I
haven't tried it.

-- 

Nate Waddoups
Redmond WA USA
http://www.natew.com