Strength-optimal running surface contour for track links

Abstract

The various stresses resulting from weight, driving and tracking forces are transmitted over the contact point between track roller and track link running surface which is, compared with the dimensions of a track-type undercarriage, very small. The design of this contact point and hence the running surface profile of a track link, therefore, is particularly important. References were analyzed with the aim of discussing theoretical diversions on contact problems between plain and curved bodies to get the basis for an optimized design of the running surface profile of track-type undercarriages. Therefore stresses at point and line contact, i.e. for curved and plane running surfaces, are compared by Hertz' theory. In the case of line contact, the maximum Hertzian stress and thus also the maximum effective stresses strongly depend on the actual tilted position of the track roller to the track link running surface. The lowest stress is applied in the case of ideal line contact which is only theoretically interesting. Already at small angles of misalignment, the stresses for line contact are higher than for point contact. In field operation, at constantly changing angles of misalignment, the edge stresses cause the formation of curved running surfaces due to plastic deformation. If track links are already designed with such a running surface contour, the result will be constant stresses over the whole service life which are largely independent of the angle of misalignment avoiding excessive stresses caused by roller misalignments.