Experimental Study of Pneumatic Track Propulsion Systems

Efficiency increase of an agricultural tractor may be achieved through installation of a pneumatic track propulsion system to combine the benefits of both pneumatic wheels and rubber tracks. A pneumatic track comprises a power belt and a number of pneumatic elements attached thereto. Serviceability of the pneumatic track is dependent upon the properties of its pneumatic elements.

The article gives the methodology and static test results of several types and dimensions of pneumatic elements. The tests were run on a custom-designed testing stand. Geometric parameters, properties of static rigidity rate (normal, lateral, and tangential), and pressure distribution coefficient versus air pressure in the pneumatic elements have been determined. Through mathematical processing of experimental data regressional equations have been obtained.

The methodology and the results of the experimental studies are given for a tractor having a pneumatic track propeller. Traction and coupling properties, and distribution regularities of pressure on soil have been investigated. The experimental data obtained prove the high efficiency of the pneumatic track propeller.