Upgrading of the Hohenheim Tyre Model for the simulation of obstacle passages

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Stefan Böttinger
• Subject Area: Plant Cultivation, Plant Nutrition, Agricultural Technology
• Term: from 2013 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 231247122

The scope of application of modern tractors is manifold and incorporates both field work and haulage with transport speeds up to 60 km/h. For the sake of driving safety and comfort during the passage of uneven ground, suspended cabs with airsprung seats have become state of the art. Thereby, the setup of the components including the spring and damper characteristics of the tyres is not always satisfactory. Within a previous DFG project a new tyre model for the investigation and optimization of driving dynamics on level surfaces was developed. This project aims to extend the model so that tyre behaviour on uneven ground can be simulated. Therefore, the single point contact model is to be extended to an adaptive footprint model. Thus comfort and stress analysis of agricultural tractors can be reviewed and optimized. Moreover, the influence of ground undulations on driving dynamics and safety can be investigated. Model validation with the aid of a test vehicle is a crucial aspect of this project proposal.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants