Experimental investigation and semi-empirical modeling of tire–soil contact area under multiple passes

The interaction between vehicle tires and soil is important in various engineering and scientific fields, including agriculture and transportation. This study investigates the dynamics of the tire-soil contact area of an agricultural tire under varying vertical load and multiple passes. This study evaluated the effects of vertical load and tire passes on tire-soil contact area in a soil bin. Experiments were conducted with three vertical load levels (2, 3, and 4 kN) and 15 passes. An imaging system recorded the tire contact areas, and image processing techniques extracted the contact area from the images. Also, a mathematical equation was derived using the learning-based optimization algorithm to model the soil-tire interactions. The optimized model achieved acceptable accuracy and performance, with an R2 of 0.97 and prediction errors (RMSE of 0.0032 and MAE of 0.0027). The developed equation predicts the contact area as a function of vertical load and number of passes. The proposed closed-form model estimates contact pressure without directly measuring the contact area, thereby facilitating its analysis. It provides a framework for future research and practical applications in optimizing tire-soil interactions. Furthermore, this study analyzes tire-soil contact area dynamics, highlighting the importance of managing the initial passes to minimize soil. In conclusion, the proposed contact area measurement techniques and mathematical modeling can enhance understanding of tire-soil interaction theories and facilitate future experimental research in this field. Hence, helping improve soil management practices and vehicle design for off-road applications, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.