Prediction and validation of terramechanics models for estimation of tyre rolling resistance coefficient

This research focuses on prediction of the rolling resistance coefficient of an agriculture tyre using finite element analysis (FEA) technique, and Bekker and Wismer-Luth models. The tyre-soil interaction is modelled using FEA and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) techniques in Visual Environment’s PAM-Crash software and validated based on experimental results. A single-wheel tester along with a controlled soil bin at Urmia University, Iran is used to investigate the effect of a tyre’s multi-pass and vertical load on the rolling resistance coefficient of an off-road tyre. In order to calculate the rolling resistance of Bekker model, a bevameter device is installed on a carriage moving on clayey-loam soil and a digital penetrometer is used for obtaining the output of Wismer-Luth model. Analysis of experimental data shows that rolling resistance coefficient increases as the vertical load increases and decreases with each pass of tyre. These results are used to compare and evaluate the above-mentioned methods. The results of this study will be used in further research on the interaction between a tyre and soil. Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.