A numerical method for predicting the stress distribution and soil deformation under a tractor wheel

Abstract The Finite Element Method was employed for predicting the stress distribution and soil deformation under a stationary and moving tractor wheel. The stationary wheel problem was analysed by assuming that the soil-wheel contact area was cicular and the load applied by the wheel was distributing uniformly. Non-linear behaviour of soil was included in the analysis and the technique used for non-linar analysis is discussed in detail. The predicted stress distribution was compared with that obtained from elastic theory and found to be in good agreement. The moving wheel problem was solved for two different values of wheel slip, considering it as a plane strain problem and assuming the soil to be linearly elastic. The results showed wheel slip to have very little effect on the zone affected by the tractor load.