Finite element analysis for tractive performance of a rigid wheel (Part 2): Tractive performance and stress distribution in soil

摘要

Tractive performance of a rigid wheel and stress distribution in soil were investigated with both calculations, using the finite element program proposed in Part 1, and experiments. The soil model proposed in the study is the combined model whichhad a viscoelastic model under a loading stress state and an elastic model under an unloading stress state. The results showed that the soil model which behaved like plastic materials under the running wheel was successful with less than 15% slip. Themaximum tractive efficiency was obtained at 15% slip. The maximum normal stress acting on the contact surface between the rigid wheel and the soil showed a slight decrease with increasing slippage. The normal stress in vertical direction and thevolumetric strain in the soil also decreased slightly with increasing slippage.