Analysis of Effect of Grouser Height on Tractive Performance of Tracked Vehicle under Different Moisture Contents in Paddy Soil

Abstract

Grouser height and soil moisture content have a significant effect on the tractive performance of tracked vehicles. Paddy soil has the mechanical properties of both clay soil and sandy soil and can have a wide range of water content values, and it has a considerable influence on the tractive performance of tracked agricultural machinery. To study the influence of grouser height on the tractive performance of a single-track shoe under different soil moisture contents, a three-dimensional shearing model of the single-track shoe and the contact soil was established based on the ground vehicle mechanics theory, and an experimental platform with a soil bin, sensors, and a control system was established. Six preset levels of moisture contents (7%, 12%, 17%, 22%, 27%, and 32%) of paddy soil were prepared for the research experiment. The mechanical properties of the soil with different moisture contents were obtained through the use of a direct shear test, penetration test, and compaction test. The obtained physical parameters of the soil have special characteristics that are different from typical soil. Combined with the three-dimensional model and the obtained soil parameters, the parameters of the tractive performance, such as thrust, running resistance, and traction with different moisture contents were analyzed and calculated. The test results revealed that the thrust at different grouser heights shows a regular waveform growth trend with an increase in soil moisture content. The minimum value and the maximum value of thrust were obtained at moisture contents of 7% and 12%, respectively. The curve of different grouser heights of the running resistance shows similar changes with different moisture contents. The two peak points and inflection points of the fluctuation curve are for moisture contents of 17% and 27%. The change curve of the traction is highly similar to the curve of thrust. The maximum value of the traction was found at a moisture content of 12%, and the minimum value at 22% or 27%. Under different moisture conditions, tracked vehicles with higher grousers have better tractive performances.