Modeling and Verification of Rolling Resistance Torque of High-Speed Rubber Track Assembly Considering Hysteresis Loss

Abstract

Due to the viscoelasticity of rubber materials, hysteresis loss due to deformation is the main reason for the rolling resistance of high-speed rubber tracks. Since the structure and material of high-speed rubber track assemblies are different from traditional tires and metal tracks, the rolling resistance theory of traditional wheeled and tracked vehicles is not applicable. Therefore, in order to determine the rolling resistance scientifically and accurately, the mechanism research of the rolling resistance of high-speed rubber track assembly is the key to the design of high-speed rubber crawler vehicles. In this paper, the stress–strain characteristics of rubber track under the action of compression, tension, bending, and driving were studied. The strain load spectrum of rubber tracks was established, and the strain cyclic load was extracted by the rainflow method. The temperature model of the rubber track was developed based on its dynamic characteristics. On the basis of energy conservation, the hysteresis loss of rubber is equivalent to the energy consumption of rolling resistance, and the theoretical model of rolling resistance of high-speed rubber track assembly is established. In accordance with the model above, the key influencing factors and changing trends of rolling resistance are analyzed, which provides a theoretical basis for the performance optimization of high-speed rubber track assembly.

Susceptibility Modeling of a Rubber Track for Lightweight Mobile Robots

“…Research [19,23] indicates factors that have a significant impact on the internal motion resistance of rubber track running gear: track scrolling speed, diameters of driving, idler, and road wheels, as well as stiffness and damping of the track belt, depending on the type of rubber and structure of the track belt. These properties not only increase the track bending resistance but also cause the track belt to heat up and increase its temperature [24,25]. This may change its stiffness, lead to track elongation and shedding while driving, cause devulcanization, and accelerate the degradation of the track structure [26].…”