Dynamic Instability Assessment of Nonlinear Tractor Dynamics based on Lyapunov Exponents

Abstract

Nonlinear phenomena in tractor dynamics, such as impact and sliding, can cause dynamic instability of tractors and lead to overturning accidents. Tractor static stability has been evaluated using static stability indicators, such as the static rollover angle. However, tractor dynamic stability assessments have not yet been established. Nonlinear time series analyses generally use Lyapunov exponents as dynamic stability indicators. We used Lyapunov exponents calculated from the vertical acceleration generated by a nonlinear tractor model to assess tractor dynamic stability. The parametric study results indicated that the Lyapunov exponent could detect nonlinear resonance regions and be used to assess tractor dynamic stability.