Testing and Analysis of Modified HMMWV Front Lift Provisions

The U.S. Army Materials Technology Laboratory (MTL) was requested by the Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) and the Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC) to investigate the performance of the modified front lift provisions on the high mobility, multipurpose, wheeled vehicle (HMMWV). In order to evaluate the front lift provisions, a series of simulated air lift, ultimate pull, and fatigue tests were performed. Each type of test was performed for two different load magnitudes and angles. In addition to the mechanical tests performed, nondestructive testing procedures were utilized to inspect the provisions for imperfections and cracks before and after testing. A finite element analysis (FEA) was also conducted to analyze the hook and the provision bracket for each of the two load configurations.