Influence of elastic characteristics of a track roller rim of a caterpillar system on the stress-strain state of an external rubber tire

The stress-strain state of the rubber tire of the track roller of the caterpillar mover is determined when considering the problem with an absolutely rigid rim and with an elastic rim. The effect of the rim elasticity on the radial stiffness of the track roller, on the distribution of contact pressure, and also on the distribution of the specific strain energy, which is a criterion for the fatigue strength of rubber, is shown. Two cases of the interaction of the track roller with the track are considered. The first case corresponds to the location of the axis of the track roller parallel to the chain link, the second case, when the plane of the track is located at an angle relative to the axis of the track roller. The influence of the angle of inclination of the support surface on the stress-strain state of the external rubber tire of the support roller is shown. The mechanical properties of a rubber tire are described by the elastic Treloar potential, the rim material of the track roller is considered linear elastic material.