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Dynamic Contact Area Analysis of Composite Material Tractor Tires on Rigid Surfaces Using a Validated Finite Element Model
Abstract:
The dynamic contact area between tractor tires and rigid surfaces is a key factor influencing traction performance, fuel efficiency, and tire–soil interaction. Traditional experimental techniques used to evaluate this parameter, such as high-speed imaging on transparent platforms and pressure mapping films, are costly, technically demanding, and impractical for large agricultural tires. To address these challenges, this study developed and validated a finite element model of an 8.3-20 tractor tire to investigate its dynamic rolling behavior on a rigid surface at constant velocity. The model accounted for the tire’s composite structural characteristics using specialized techniques in MSC Dytran software and was validated against tire compression tests, achieving an average error of less than 12.66%. The validated model was then used to examine the effects of three inflation pressures (151.68, 206.84, and 262 kPa) on the dynamic contact area, with results showing that at 151.68 kPa the footprint reached approximately 5143.27 cm², compared to 4880.09 cm² at 262 kPa, and further demonstrated that lower inflation pressures produced larger and more stable contact areas compared to higher pressures. These findings highlight the importance of proper inflation management, provide quantitative evidence of its effect on footprint evolution, and establish a robust and scalable framework for evaluating tire–surface interactions and optimizing tractor tire performance.
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31-37
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June 2026
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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved
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