Soil-Tire Interface Stress Measurements

Abstract

ABSTRACT NORMAL and tangential stress vectors were measured at the soil-tire interface of a pneumatic tractor tire on firm and soft soil. Data are presented from tests conducted at zero input torque, zero net traction, and 0.15 net traction ratio. Peak normal stresses occurred before peak tangential stresses as the tire rotated through the contact area at 0.15 net traction ratio. A force balance was performed on the tire at each level of tractive performance.