Analysis of the loads on power transmission system of undercarriages with elastomer tracks

The study is devoted to an analysis of the working conditions of the running gear elements with elastomer tracks in the typical applications of an industrial vehicle. The loads of the undercarriages elements for the selected running gear with elastomer tracks were determined on the basis of this analysis. Particular attention was paid to the operation of the inner track lugs (during the drive transmission and track guiding), and the elastomer lining of the driving sprocket. Numerical computations were conducted by means of the finite element method using nonlinear static. The elastomers used in running gears, mainly the rubber with various mechanical properties (for instance hardness) were modelled as incompressible hyperelastic materials using the two-parameter Mooney-Rivlin model. The computations took into account contact effects andfriction in the areas of the mating elements contact. The results of the numerical analyses demonstrate the possibilities of increasing the loads transmitted by the analyzed elements of the running gear. The local character of the loads in the drive transmission system using the positive power transmission is noteworthy. The results of the computations may be used for the optimal dimensioning of the elastomer elements of the drive transmission system between the driving sprocket and the elastomer track.