Equivalent Vertical Stiffness Design of Modular Deformable Wheel

Abstract

This study aims to determine the structural parameters of the equivalent vertical stiffness design of a modular deformable wheel. A gas stiffness model in the air cavity of the modular deformable wheel is established on the basis of the wheel’s structure and the ideal gas equation. Then, the change curve of the radial stiffness of the modular deformable wheel is obtained, and the design model of the equivalent vertical stiffness of the wheel is constructed on the basis of the gas stiffness model. Finally, some relevant design parameters of heavyweight and lightweight wheels are obtained through numerical calculation based on existing experimental data. The results show that the design parameters of the equivalent vertical stiffness of the modular deformable wheel can meet the ride comfort requirements of vehicles. The obtained wheel structure parameters and mechanical parameters will provide effective theoretical compliance for the selection of this type of wheel. Moreover, this modular deformable wheel not only meets the requirements of the riding comfort of pneumatic wheels, but also has the advantages that common pneumatic wheels do not have (such as explosion-proof and puncture-proof functions), which also provides the practical theoretical basis for the use and promotion of this wheel in the complex geological environment.