Formula for controlling the movement of a tank-like vehicle?

Question

Anyone know the formula used to control the movement of a simple tank-like vehicle?

To \'steer\' it, you need to alter the force applied the left and right \"wheels\

Answer 1

You're thinking about it the wrong way. The thing is, differing amounts of force on the tracks will not turn the tank a certain number of degrees. Rather, differing force will alter the RATE of turn.

The relationship between the force and the turn rate will vary depending on the mechanics of the tank. The wider the tank the slower it turns. The faster the tank the faster it turns.

P.S. Some more thoughts on this: I don't think a physics-based answer is possible without basing it off a real-world tank. Several of the answers address the physics of the turn but there is the implicit assumption in all of them that the system has infinite power. Can the tank really operate at 1, -1? And can it reach that velocity instantly--acceleration applies to turns, also.

Finally, treads have length as well as width. That means you are going to get some sideways slippage of the treads in any turning situation, the faster the turn the more such slippage will be required. That is going to burn up energy in a sharp turn, even if the engine has the power to do a 1, -1 turn it wouldn't turn as fast as that would indicate because of friction losses.