Development of a two-dimensional model and experimental tests of a deformable tyre over a step-obstacle

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Traverse rough terrain with a wheeled vehicle is something that happens in a lot of everyday activities. However, analysis of tyre deformation during the negotiation of a step-obstacle remains an unsolved problem. This paper presents experimental results of a step-obstacle classic pneumatic tyre overcoming and proposes an analytical model to analyze what happens during the contact between a deformable tyre and a corner of the edge of a step-obstacle. Two-dimensional models are developed for non-pneumatic and pneumatic tyres. The non-pneumatic tyre model comprise a thin flexible annular band and springs that connect the band to a rigid hub. The pneumatic model add the influence of tangential springs and pressure. Timoshenko curved beam theory model the annular band taking into account deformations due to bending, shearing and circumferential extension. The governing differential equations are derived for non-pneumatic and pneumatic cases. In-plane tyre deformations model results for different vertical forces are discussed as well as tread tyre tension characteristics. This is a standard approach when the intelligent tyre based on the strain is analysed under flat ground loading condition. The results of the step-obstacle interaction model are presented with particular attention to the tyre tread deformation. Results coming from the proposed model are compared with experimental data results. Finally, the analysis of pneumatic tyres focuses on the effect of pressure on the process of overcoming a step obstacle showing how lower pressure tyres can overcome greater heights.