Development of a novel spoke structure of non-pneumatic tires for skid-steer loaders using finite element analysis

Abstract

Skid-steer loaders require advanced tires to overcome the challenges in poor construction areas. In this study, a non-pneumatic tire (NPT) is developed using a finite element method (FEM). The spoke structure is a significant component of the NPTs. It is based on the novel X-shaped spoke and is invented by deriving structural equations to model an NPT for a skid-steer loader. The novel NPT model was analyzed via the FEM to estimate its quasi-static performance, such as the vertical stiffness and local stress at the spoke. The FEM implemented a spoke structure model with mechanical properties of the invented material. In addition, geometric parameters such as the number of spoke sections and thickness were varied to study their effects on the vertical stiffness. Furthermore, the relationship between these geometric parameters was derived using a mathematical equation. A vertical stiffness function was applied to manufacture various sizes and configurations of the novel NPT. Moreover, the novel spoke structure was compared with different spokes of NPTs. We found that the proposed NPT had the highest strength. Consequently, the proposed mathematical model can be used for manufacturing a series of novel NPTs for skid-steer loaders in the future.