Multi‐Method Analysis of Wheel‐Soil Interaction Mechanics: Integrating Experimental and Computational Insights for Aircraft Performance on Soil Runways

ABSTRACT Based on wheel‐soil interaction theory and numerical methods, this study first analyzes the stress distribution characteristics of soil runway structures under aircraft wheel loads: A 5% increase in compaction degree leads to an approximate 20% rise in stress at the contact center. It is also confirmed that stress distribution in high‐compaction soil runways is dominated by vertical stress, while horizontal stress plays a more prominent role in softer soils. Through decoupling analysis, the formation and evolution mechanism of soil runway ruts is clarified, and a comprehensive rut depth prediction model integrating compaction degree, tire inflation pressure, wheel load, and passing times is proposed. Additionally, this study investigates the influencing factors of rolling resistance on soil runways, revealing that wheel load exerts the most significant effect. Finally, validation against field test results shows a numerical calculation error of approximately 7%–8%. These findings can effectively predict aircraft trafficability on soil runways, providing critical references for assessing the safety and adaptability of such runways.