Improving Agricultural Tire Traction Performance Through Finite Element Analysis and Semi-Empirical Modeling

Optimizing agricultural tire traction is essential for improving field efficiency and minimizing soil degradation. This study examines the influence of lug spacing and vertical load on traction performance using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in ANSYS and the semi-empirical Wong and Preston-Thomas tire model. Simulations were conducted on clay soil under vertical loads of 35 kN, 45 kN, and 55 kN, with varying lug spacings. The results indicate that a 130 mm lug spacing provides the best balance between traction, thrust, and motion resistance. Higher vertical loads intensify soil compaction, leading to reduced thrust generation at 55 kN despite decreased motion resistance. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing lug configurations to enhance traction while mitigating soil compaction. The study contributes to improving tire designs for agricultural machinery, promoting efficiency and sustainability in soil management.