Design of biomimetic reindeer hoof-shaped track shoe and its performance simulation and optimization on snow surface

Traditional tracked vehicles are prone to slipping on snowy surfaces. To improve the adhesion of tracked vehicles on snowy surfaces, a bionic reindeer hoof-shaped track shoe suitable for snow travel was designed, drawing on the shearing effect of reindeer hooves on snowy surfaces. A finite element simulation model was used to analyze the interaction between the bionic track shoe and snow, and the reliability of the simulation model was verified through theoretical calculations. Using a Box–Behnken design, the effects of key parameters such as track shoe length, height, and number on snow thrust were studied, and a positive correlation was found. Multi-objective optimization using the NSGA-II algorithm and TOPSIS method was used to determine the optimal design, which increased snow thrust by 23% and reduced weight by 3.9%. This study offers theoretical insights for the design of tracked vehicles, particularly regarding their application in extreme cold and snowy environments, such as in military operations, rescue missions, and exploration tasks.