Experimental Research of Mechanical Model of an Elastic Wheel

• Main Authors: Pozhydaev Serhey, Shkarovskyy Hryhoryy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University 2019-05-01
• Series: Avtomobilʹnyj Transport (Harʹkov)
• Subjects: wheel torque; full circumferential force; loaded radius; rolling radius without sliding
• Online Access: https://dspace.khadi.kharkov.ua/dspace/bitstream/123456789/2657/1/AT_44_3.pdf

Problem. At present, the prevailing view is that the total circumferential force of the wheel is equal to the quotient of torque by the loaded radius of the wheel. However, works are known in which it is stated that the torque should be divided not by the loaded radius, but by the rolling radius without sliding. But these radii differ in their definitions, physical meaning, numerical values, and even units of measurement. In wheels with elastic low pressure tires, the radius of rolling and the dynamic radius can vary by 25 %. Under conditions of such uncertainty, the theory of rolling elastic wheels cannot claim to be reliable for the results it provides. They can always be challenged by opposing significantly different results. Goal. The aim of the work is to experimentally test the hypothesis that the relationship between torque and the total circumferential force of an elastic wheel is determined by rolling radius without sliding. Methodology. The experiments were carried out on a mechanical model of an elastic wheel, the loaded radius of which could differ by ± 30 % from the rolling radius. Results, originality, practical significance. It has been established that a change in the dynamic radius does not completely affect the total circumferential force of the wheel. It depends on the rolling radius, the use of which ensures compliance with the law of conservation of energy. Therefore, the prevailing opinion today about the decisive role of the loaded radius is false. Even in the case of coincidence of values of radius of rolling and loaded radius, it should be noted that the radius of rolling is used, and not loaded. Ignoring this circumstance will constitute a fundamental methodological inaccuracy, meaning the neglect of the law of conservation of energy.