ANALYSIS OF STRESS AND STRAIN DISTRIBUTION IN AN AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE WHEEL USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Due to the complex geometry and the multitude of factors influencing the mechanical behaviour, modelling stresses and strains distribution in the tires of agricultural land vehicles is difficult. Proper exploitation of wheel tires of agricultural land vehicles is difficult and depends of many influence factors. A low pressure generates an exaggerated flexing of tire carcass. The consequences are tire heating, an increase of rolling resistance and also premature tire wear. In extreme cases, a low pressure may even cause tire destruction. Too large pressure causes the decrease of tire adhesion, irregular and faster wear, especially for driving wheels. This paper presents an analysis of a 65 HP tractor driving wheel tire, using Finite Element Method. A 3D model of the real tire is developed, for which were defined the parameters characterising the elastic behaviour of tire rubber. The study was developed for various tire air pressures and various normal loads acting on the wheel. Results and conclusions obtained from this study are useful in the identification of optimal operating parameters for driving wheels tires of agricultural land vehicles.