Agriculture tracked vehivle-soil interaction under uneven contact pressure conditions

Abstract

The analysis performed refers to problems of agriculture tracked vehicle terrain interaction. In the problem presentation the interaction is affected by an agriculture implement and results in inclination of the contact surface and uneven contact pressure distribution. The resulting interaction does not necessarily involve the nominal contact length. Accordingly, two alternative interaction modes are considered: full and partial contact length-terrain interaction. A computerized solution procedure defining the interaction mode, geometry of the vehicle sinkage and the operating slip range is developed. The operating abilities of a vehicle can be evaluated with reference to a particular implement and given terrain. Alternatively, certain vehicle modifications can be evaluated with the purpose of achieving a desired performance.