Modelling the traction of a prototype track based on soil–rubber friction and adhesion

An experimental track layer tractor, based on an Allis Chalmers 8070 tractor (141 kW) was tested on bitumen covered concrete and on cultivated sandy loam at 7.8%; 13% and 21% soil water content. The two articulated beam-type tracks (500 mm wide × 2000 mm soil contact length) were constructed out of 500 mm long and 70 mm wide rubber covered steel track elements, carried by five steel cables (36 mm diameter). The tracks resisted inward deflection but allowed outward articulation between two smooth rear driving and two smooth front pneumatic truck tires (1060 mm diameter) per track. The contact pressure and the tangential force on an instrumented track element, as well as the total torque input to one track, were simultaneously recorded during the drawbar pull/slip tests.

Different possible pressure distribution profiles under the tracks were considered and compared to the recorded data. Two possible traction models are proposed, one constant pressure model for minimal inward track deflection, and a deformable track model with inward deflection and a higher contact pressure at both the front free-wheeling and rear driving tires. For both models, the traction force was generated mainly by rubber/soil friction and adhesion and limited soil shear. A close agreement between the measured and predicted contact pressures and traction force for individual track elements, based on the deformable track model, was observed. The recorded and calculated coefficient of traction based on the summation of the force for the series of track elements were comparable, but were considerably lower than the predicted values, probably due to internal track friction rather than soil sinkage. The tractive efficiency for both a hard or soft surface was also unacceptably low, probably caused by internal track friction.