1999 Volume 61 Issue 2 Pages 101-110
Some models based on the M. G. Bekker's empirical equation describing the relationship between pressure and sinkage of a footing are widely used for the prediction of distribution of ground contact stress to analyze the traveling performances of a wheel. Although these models are simple and useful in a practical sense, improvements are necessary for precise prediction because of the some faults. For example, the deviation of normal stress distribution with slippage cannot be expressed. In this study, the parabolic distribution model for normal stress was modified by taking into consideration the effect of slippage. Furthermore, the Janosi's model for tangential stress was extended to represent a peak within the tangential stress-slip displacement relation. A prediction system for ground contact stresses, drawbar pull, torque and time series of these quantities of a wheel was developed by using these models. Predicted results were confirmed good applicability by the comparison with experimental results of traveling tests by a model rigid wheel on the sandy ground.
