Real-Time Optimization of Tractive Efficiency

ABSTRACT The dynamic load and inflation pressure of a pneumatic tractor tire have been shown to greatly influence tractive efficiency. A control program was developed using a single wheel test device which would cycle a tire over it's operating range of dynamic load and inflation pressure while monitoring tractive efficiency, compute a tractive efficiency response surface for the particular soil condition and net traction level, and subsequently determine the dynamic load and inflation pressure for maximum tractive efficiency. Results showed that the difference between maximum and minimum tractive efficiency can be up to 30%.