I have been trying to figure out how tanks are able to control each set of tracks individually, but I can not find the solution on Google. I have tried using cad to solve it myself, but nothing I came up with works. Could someone explain to me the mechanics of how they work?
In: Engineering
One common method was [Clutch-Brake steering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_steering#Clutch-brake). Modern tanks will be a bit fancier but the general theory is the same
For a Clutch-Brake system, power goes to the differential which tries to split the power between the two sides. If you want to turn left you engage either the wheel or a lever that at first just opens the clutch to the left side track so only the right side is powered and moving faster but the left is free spinning and this will cause the tank to turn to the left. If you need to turn really sharply you keep turning/pulling the lever and the brakes are applied to the left track so its now at a dead stop and only the right track is being powered this lets the tank make very sharp turns.
This type of system isn’t nearly as graceful at turning as the Rack and Pinion system in your car that gives you very gradual control, but it can handle a huge amount of power.
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