Modern test benches for dynamic tests of tractor tires

Abstract

For testing tractor tires and their wear, special laboratory stands with imitation of real tire operating conditions are used. They provide the definition of such characteristics of the tire as the possibility of continuous movement at maximum speed, the perception of forces during curvilinear movement, dynamic radius, tire rolling resistance, degree of tire heating, etc. Such test benches allow to evaluate the reliability of the tires and to identify the possibility of increasing their life cycle. The most common test benches include a fixed platform, a running drum, hydraulic cylinders, clamping devices, an electric drum drive, tire rotation mechanisms, a personal computer and a control panel. One of the drawbacks of such test benches is the presence of high losses to overcome efforts in the mechanisms of rotation of tires. Therefore, the urgent issue is to find solutions to improve energy efficiency and reliability of tractor tire tests. The article analyzes test benches of foreign and domestic manufacturers for dynamic tire tests. Their technical characteristics, functional indicators and overall dimensions are considered. Considerable attention is paid to the shortcomings of each of the test benches. A modernized version of the test bench is proposed, in which the disadvantages of analogues are taken into account and eliminated. The design of such a test bench allows testing tires, simulating their interaction with an uneven road surface, as well as reducing energy consumption and increasing the reliability of tire tests. A kinematic diagram of the test bench and a functional diagram of the power part of the electric drive of the test bench are proposed. Based on the technical data of the test benches and their capabilities, a comparative table is given, as well as conclusions about the feasibility of using more energy-efficient drives for such test benches is proven.