Soil-vehicle interaction

Progress in modelling, predicting and measuring soil-vehicle interaction performance is reviewed. Topics include soil properties, track systems, rigid and lugged wheels, pneumatic tyres and soil working systems. Methods range from the highly theoretical to the largely experimental. Substantial progress has been made in computer modelling methods for predicting the tractive performance of track systems and lugged wheels. A generally accepted method for describing the strength/deformation properties of surface soils has yet to evolve.     

轮胎结构分析的一般壳体精化理论

基于一般壳体理论和Reddy型剪切精化理论,发展出适用于充气轮胎的结构非线性分析的一般壳体精化理论.为获得一个具有解析结构的近似解,将Bezier多项式用于分片描述轮胎几何形状和位移场,应用Rayleigh-Ritz 法构造轮胎在充气内压作用下的内力、变形和层间应力的解.这一模型具有任意铺层性、复杂曲面逼近便捷和求解精度可控等优点.为比较起见,文中还对轮胎结构作了三维有限元数值分析.两种方法的综合比较表明,该文提出的轮胎模型不仅预测结果精确,而且大大节省计算量.     

Off-road tire modeling and the multi-pass effect for vehicle dynamics simulation

Off-road operations are critical in many fields and the complexity of the tire-terrain interaction deeply affects vehicle performance. In this paper, a semi-empirical off-road tire model is discussed. The efforts of several researchers are brought together into a single model able to predict the main features of a tire operating in off-road scenarios by computing drawbar pull, driving torque, lateral force, slip-sinkage phenomenon and the multi-pass behavior. The approach is principally based on works by Wong, Reece, Chan, and Sandu and it is extended in order to catch into a single model the fundamental features of a tire running on soft soil. A thorough discussion of the methodology is conducted in order to highlight strengths and weakness of different implementations. The study considers rigid wheels and flexible tires and analyzes the longitudinal and the lateral dynamics. Being computationally inexpensive a semi-empirical model is attractive for real time vehicle dynamics simulations. To the best knowledge of the authors, current vehicle dynamics codes poorly account for off-road operations where tire-terrain interaction dominates vehicle performance. In this paper two soils are considered: a loose sandy terrain and a firmer loam. Results show that the model realistically predicts longitudinal and lateral forces providing at the same time good estimates of the slip-sinkage behavior and tire parameters sensitivity.     

Precise measurement of soil deformation and fluctuation in drawbar pull for steel and rubber-coated rigid wheels

The travelling performance of rigid wheels on sand stratum is measured using two kinds of surface material, i.e. steel and steel coated with rubber. A new method for measuring the displacement of soil beneath the wheel has been developed using small polyester film markers. The trajectories of soil particles beneath the wheels are approximated by an exponential function and the fluctuations in the drawbar pull are represented by a sinusoidal function. The amplitude and basic wavelength of the fluctuation in the drawbar pull are discussed for both types of wheels.     

An empirical model for tractive performance of rubber-tracks in agricultural soils

Mathematical models capable of describing the interaction between traction devices and soils have been effective in predicting the performance of off-road vehicles. Such a model capable of predicting the performance of bias-ply tires in agricultural soils was first developed by Brixius [Brixius WW. Traction prediction equations for bias-ply tires. ASAE Paper No. 871622. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE; 1987]. When the soil and vehicle parameters are known, this model uses an iterative procedure to predict the tractive performance of a vehicle including pull, tractive efficiency, and motion resistance. Al-Hamad et al. [Al-Hamad SA, Grisso RD, Zoz FM, Von Bargen K. Tractor performance spreadsheet for radial tires. Comput Electron Agr 1994:10(1):45–62] modified the Brixius equations to predict the performance of radial tires. Zoz and Grisso [Zoz, FM, Grisso RD. Traction and tractor performance. ASAE Distinguished Lecture Series #27. St. Joseph, MI: ASAE; 2003] have demonstrated that the use of spreadsheet templates is more efficient than the original iterative procedure used to predict the performance of 2WD and 4WD/MFWD tractors. As tractors equipped with rubber-tracks are becoming popular, it is important that we have the capability to predict the performance for off-road vehicles equipped with rubber-tracks during agricultural operations. This paper discusses the development of an empirical model to accomplish this goal and its validity by comparing the predicted results with published experimental results.     

Predicting the performances of rigid rover wheels on extraterrestrial surfaces based on test results obtained on earth

With a growing number of nations interested in planetary exploration, research and development of extraterrestrial rovers have been intensified. The usual practice is to test the performances of rovers on soil simulants on earth, prior to their deployment to extraterrestrial bodies. It is noted that in the tests the soil simulant is subject to the earth gravity, while the terrain on the extraterrestrial surface is subject to a different gravity. Therefore, it is uncertain whether the rover/rover wheel would exhibit the same performance on the extraterrestrial surface as that obtained from tests conducted on earth. This paper describes a practical methodology that can be employed to predict the performances of rover wheels on extraterrestrial surfaces, based on test results obtained on earth. As rigid wheels are used in many extraterrestrial rovers, this study focuses on examining the effects of gravity on the sinkage and compaction resistance of rigid rover wheels. Predictions obtained using the methodology are shown to correlate reasonably well with test data.     

Tire-ice model development for the simulation of rubber compounds effect on tire performance

The material properties of the rubber compounds, which are highly dependent on temperature, have a vital role in the tire behavior. A comprehensive study on the effect of the rubber properties on tire performance, for different temperatures, as well as different road conditions is required to adequately predict the performance of tires on ice.In this study, a theoretical model has been developed for the tire-ice interaction. The temperature changes obtained from the model are used to calculate the height of the water film created by the heat generated due to the friction force. Next, the viscous friction coefficient at the contact patch is obtained. By using the thermal balance equation at the contact patch, the dry friction is obtained. Knowing the friction coefficients for the dry and wet regions, the equivalent friction coefficient is calculated. The model has been validated using experimental results for three similar tires with different rubber compounds properties. The model developed can be used to predict the temperature changes at the contact patch, the tire friction force, the areas of wet and dry regions, the height of the water film for different ice temperatures, different normal load, etc.     

Micromechanical determination of two-phase plasticity

A micromechanical theory is developed to predict the elastoplastic behavior of a two-phase alloy. Taking crystallographic slip to be the mechanism of plastic deformation, this theory also considers stress redistribution due to elastic and plastic heterogeneity in both phases. The corresponding self-consistent relation for two-phase plasticity was derived combining the spirit of Hill, Hutchinson, and Berveiller & Zaoui. It is found upon applications that both elastic and rigid particles may have a profound effect on the hardening behavior of two-phase systems. When applied to austenite-ferrite stainless steels, the theory also provides reasonable estimates as compared to experiments. The fictitious kink point commonly associated tith the continuum models is seen to be absent due to the gradual yielding of the constituent grains.     

The determination of the deflection, contact area, dimensions, and load carrying capacity for driven pneumatic tires operating on concrete pavement

In order to predict the performance of pneumatic tires with respect to rolling dimensions and traction, it is necessary to determine the relationships between a tire's dimensions and its behaviour under load. In this paper, mathematical expressions are given describing tire deflection, contact area dimensions, and load carrying capacity. A means of determining ply rating when the required load capacity and dimensions are known is also presented. The relationships are all based on the results of tire tests.     

The determination of deflection and contact characteristics of a pneumatic tire on a rigid surface

The contact pressure, contact area, contact width, contact length and vertical deflection of a pneumatic tire on a rigid surface depend on tire size, load and inflation pressure and can be derived by means of mathematical expressions. These expressions have been widely utilized and checked in practice for different tires.     

Dynamic Stability and Random Vibrations of Rigid and Elastic Wheelsets

A stability analysis and vibration studies are presented for a passenger coach model which is equipped with rigid or elastic wheels. The elastic components between wheel rim and disc act as third suspension reducing the unsprung mass and isolating the passenger coach from the high frequency motion of the wheel rim. The vertical and lateral motion by such a design requires a thorough analysis of the system dynamics. The excitation of the vertical vibrations by stochastic track irregularities results in acceleration amplitudes of the carbody that may generate droning noise. A parameter study of spring and damper coefficients of the system with radialelastic wheels leads to considerably reduced droning noise and lower force level between wheel and rail. Furthermore, the eigenmotion of a rigid and an elastic wheelset rolling on a track, the so-called hunting, is investigated. The variation of the spring and damper coefficients shows limits to guarantee the stability of the system.     

Suitability of rubber track as traction device for power tillers

Suitability of using rubber tracks as traction device in power tillers replacing pneumatic tires was studied using an experimental setup consisting of a track test rig for mounting a 0.80 m × 0.1 m rubber track and a loading device for applying different drawbar pulls. Tests were conducted in the soil bin filled with lateritic sandy clay loam soil at an average soil water content of 9% dry basis by varying the cone index from 300 to 1000 kPa. Data on torque, pull and Travel Reduction Ratio (TRR) were acquired using sensors and data acquisition system for evaluating its performance. Maximum tractive efficiency of the track was found to be in the range of 77–83% corresponding to a TRR of 0.12–0.045. The Net Traction Ratio (NTR) at maximum tractive efficiency was found to be between 0.49 and 0.36.Using non-linear regression technique, a model for Gross Traction Ratio (GTR) was developed and it could predict the actual values with a maximum variation of 6% as compared to an average variation of 50% with Grisso’s model. Based on this model, tractive efficiency design curves were plotted to achieve optimum tractive performance of track for any given soil condition.     

Effect of variations in front wheels driving lead on performance of a farm tractor with mechanical front-wheel-drive

Most previous researches indicate that about 20–55% of available tractor power is lost in the process of interaction between tires and soil surface. Vertical wheel loads and tire performance are parameters that play a significant role in controlling slip and fuel consumption of a tractor. Tractor’s slip is adjusted by attaching additional weights and/or reducing tire pressures, and this may have an impact on driving lead of front wheels. Mechanical Front-Wheel-Drive (MFWD) tractors work efficiently when driving lead of front wheels is 3–4% in soft soil and 1–2% in hard soil. This research was aimed to experimentally determine such tire pressures that allow adjusting tractor’s slip without deviating from set value of driving lead of front wheels. The research was also aimed to determine the effect of driving lead of front wheels on MFWD tractor’s slip and fuel consumption. Experimental results showed that front/rear tire pressure combinations that generate a well-targeted driving lead of front wheels have no effect on slip on hard soil; however, it significantly affect fuel consumption. Results show that when air pressures in front/rear tires varied within 80–220 kPa, driving lead of front wheels varied in the range from +7.25% to −0.5%.     

An investigation of intelligent tires using multiscale modeling of cord-rubber composites

A computational model based on the multiscale progressive failure analysis is employed to provide the theoretical predictions for damage development in the cord-rubber composites in tires. Vulcanized rubber, reinforcing belts, and carcass used in tire structures cause the anisotropic behavior under different loading conditions. Steel reinforcement layers made of steel wires combined with rubber complicate the macro-scale finite element modeling of tires. This paper presents a new three-dimensional model of the cord-rubber composite used in tires in order to predict the different types of damage including matrix cracking, delamination, and fiber failure based on the micro-scale analysis. Additionally, intelligent tires have the potential to be widely used to enhance the safety of road transportation systems, and this paper provides an estimation of the effects of void volume fraction, fiber volume fraction, and stacking sequence of the cord-rubber composites on the acceleration profile of the tire measured at the inner-liner.     

基于SMP破坏准则的饱和砂土弹塑性本构模型

利用土体的塑性流动理论，提出了用于描述饱和砂土在单调荷载作用下的应力一应变反应性质的弹塑性本构模型。土体总的变形由三部分组成：即弹性应变、与体积屈服机制相关的塑性应变和与剪切屈服机制相关的塑性应变，其中与剪切屈服机制相关的塑性应变的得出是基于SMP破坏准则。通过将模型预测的结果与试验结果进行对比，表明该模型能够较为准确地描述饱和砂土在单调加载条件下的反应性质。     

Effect of design parameters on the performance of rigid traction wheels on saturated soils

A dimensional analysis was carried out to study the effect of individual wheel parameters, namely the lug angle, lug height, rim width and lug spacing on the traction performance of rigid wheels in saturated soils. The performance of the test wheels was evaluated on the basis of drawbar pull, slip and torque data obtained at different normal loads ranging between 50 and 100 kg (790–980 N). The data were utilized to compute the performance values such as tractive efficiency and overall performance index. Through the regression analysis, the optimum values of lug angle, rim width and lug spacing were found to be 20°, 200 mm and 110 mm respectively for a wheel of 685 mm dia. However, a definite conclusion regarding the optimum value of lug height could not be drawn, though the analysis for higher loads indicated this value as of 38 mm. The wheel parameter most influencing the traction performance of the wheel was found to be the rim width.     

从自由试验提取约束结构模态

已有的“从自由试验提取约束结构模态”的动柔度法，仅适用于刚性支承情况．在工程中，弹性支承状态是常见的，为此，建立了这一情况下的提取方法．该方法具有普遍性，因为当支承刚度很大时，可得到刚性支承下的结果；当支承刚度很小时，便可获得工程中用橡皮绳悬吊结构后所测得的自由-自由试验模态．总之，当支承刚度为任何值时，用此方法都能提取到相应约束结构的满意试验模态参数．表明该算法是非常稳定的，对于工程应用至关重要．     

橡胶弹性支座动态承载特性及其影响因素分析

基于复刚度理论,采用正交实验法,对风力发电机橡胶弹性支座进行动态性能实验,研究载荷频率、载荷幅值、预载荷诸因素对弹性支座动态性能的影响规律. 实验结果表明,橡胶材料的动态性能与载荷频率和幅值具有显著的相关性. 频率增加,橡胶弹性元件的弹性刚度和阻尼因子明显增大;幅值增加,弹性刚度减小,阻尼因子却逐渐增大. 对实验数据进行方差分析,表明载荷频率对动态性能的影响最大,其次是载荷幅值,预加载因素影响非常有限.     

Constitutive modeling and the trousers test for fracture of rubber-like materials

The classical constitutive modeling of incompressible hyperelastic materials such as vulcanized rubber involves strain-energy densities that depend on the first two invariants of the strain tensor. The most well-known of these is the Mooney-Rivlin model and its specialization to the neo-Hookean form. While each of these models accurately predicts the mechanical behavior of rubber at moderate stretches, they fail to reflect the severe strain-stiffening and effects of limiting chain extensibility observed in experiments at large stretch. In recent years, several constitutive models that capture the effects of limiting chain extensibility have been proposed. Here we confine attention to two such phenomenological models. The first, proposed by Gent in 1996, depends only on the first invariant and involves just two material parameters. Its mathematical simplicity has facilitated the analytic solution of a wide variety of basic boundary-value problems. A modification of this model that reflects dependence on the second invariant has been proposed recently by Horgan and Saccomandi. Here we discuss the stress response of the Gent and HS models for some homogeneous deformations and apply the results to the fracture of rubber-like materials. Attention is focused on a particular fracture test, namely the trousers test where two legs of a cut specimen are pulled horizontally apart. It is shown that the cut position plays a key role in the fracture analysis, and that the effect of the cut position depends crucially on the constitutive model employed. For stiff rubber-like or biological materials, it is shown that the influence of the cut position is diminished. In fact, for linearly elastic materials, the critical driving force for fracture is independent of the cut position. It is also shown that the limiting chain extensibility models predict finite fracture toughness as the cut position approaches the edge of the specimen whereas classical hyperelastic models predict unbounded toughness in this limit. The results are relevant to the structural integrity of rubber components such as vibration isolators, vehicle tires, earthquake bearings, seals and flexible joints.     

Dynamic interactions of an integrated vehicle–electromagnetic energy harvester–tire system subject to uneven road excitations

An investigation is undertaken of an integrated mechanical-electromagnetic coupling system consisting of a rigid vehicle with heave, roll, and pitch motions, four electro-magnetic energy harvesters and four tires subject to uneven road excitations in order to improve the passengers' riding comfort and harvest the lost engine energy due to uneven roads. Following the derived mathematical formulations and the proposed solution approaches, the numerical simulations of this interaction system subject to a continuous sinusoidal road excitation and a single ramp impact are completed. The simulation results are presented as the dynamic response curves in the forms of the frequency spectrum and the time history, which reveals the complex interaction characteristics of the system for vibration reductions and energy harvesting performance. It has addressed the coupling effects on the dynamic characteristics of the integrated system caused by:(1) the natural modes and frequencies of the vehicle;(2) the vehicle rolling and pitching motions;(3) different road exci-tations on four wheels;(4) the time delay of a road ramp to impact both the front and rear wheels, etc., which cannot be tackled by an often used quarter vehicle model. The guide-lines for engineering applications are given. The developed coupling model and the revealed concept provide a means with analysis idea to investigate the details of four energy harvester motions for electromagnetic suspension designs in order to replace the current passive vehicle isolators and to harvest the lost engine energy. Potential further research directions are suggested for readers to consider in the future.