Zhanbiao Li, Sante DiCecco, William Altenhof, Mark Thomas, Richard Banting, Henry Hu
Journal of Terramechanics, Volume 52, April 2014, Pages 31-45, ISSN 0022-4898, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jterra.2014.02.002.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022489814000032
Abstract: A five-piece rim and a two-piece bolt-connected rim were investigated to examine stress levels and fatigue lives on critical regions. The finite element models of the rim/tire assemblies were developed and validated through tire engineering data and previously validated modelling approaches. The rim/tire assemblies were simulated under two conditions, (1) application of a 23,100 kg static load followed by a 24.14 km/h travelling speed and an 82° wheel angle, and (2) application of a 26,900 kg static load followed by an 8.05 km/h travelling speed and an 82° wheel angle. The results revealed that travelling and steering speeds were the key factors in causing high stresses and bolt tension forces. Compared to the five-piece rim, the two-piece rim decreased the maximum stresses by over 30% for both loading conditions; consequently the fatigue lives were increased by over two orders of magnitude. The maximum bolt forces for the two-piece rim were estimated to be 195,680 N and 111,360 N separately.
Keywords: Heavy-vehicle; Five-piece rim; Two-piece rim; Stress analyses; Fatigue life analysis; Finite element modeling; Safety; Design improvement
International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems