Optimization of the Design Parameters of the Regenerative Rod of a Logging Road Train

Abstract

The main advantages and peculiarities of the interaction of the links of a logging road train when moving during wood hauling along under-equipped logging roads are considered. Based on the analysis of the results of the research carried out by Russian and foreign authors, promising ways to improve the efficiency of logging trucks with trailers have been identified. The main disadvantages of the existing designs of the devices for coupling logging trucks with trailers have been presented. An improved design of the regenerative pneumohydraulic rod of the coupler of a road train has been proposed, which ensures a reduction in the maximum efforts during the dynamic interaction of the links, an increase in the road train reliability, the possibility of the power fluid energy recovery with its subsequent beneficial use, as well as the effect of self-pulling of the road train, improving its cross-country ability in the conditions of under-equipped logging roads. It has been revealed that the optimal internal diameter of 2 double-acting hydraulic cylinders connected in series with the free ends is within the range of 95 to 105 mm. With such a diameter, the recovered power reaches 4 kW, the average longitudinal acceleration of the trailer is in the range of 0.75 to 0.83 m/s2. The movement of a logging road train in the studied conditions at a speed of 20 to 60 km/h is accompanied by a change in the average recovered power from 1.8 to 11.3 kW and the average longitudinal acceleration of the trailer – from 0.2 to 1.4 m/s2. It has been determined that at average heights of support surface irregularities of 0.1 to 0.2 m, characteristic of typical under-equipped logging roads, the average recovered power is in the range of 2.2 to 4.1 kW and the average longitudinal acceleration of the trailer is in the range of 0.26 to 0.53 m/s2. The optimal stroke of the regenerative pneumohydraulic rod of the coupler of a road train is 0.55 m, the optimal rate of lengthening (or shortening) of the rod is 0.28 m/s. This ensures the average self-pulling speed of 0.22 m/s, the mean displacement of a logging road train of 0.11 m per one cycle of lengthening (or shortening) of the rod and the power recovered by the rod of 1.75 kW.