Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of open spaces between grousers on gross traction using the discrete element method (DEM). We used a quasi-2D track shoe model in which we could control the open spacing between track shoes to observe the tractive performance experimentally. The gross traction and the sinkage of the grouser were measured on artificial sand. Moreover, we applied a 2D DEM analysis to the interaction between the open-spaced track shoes and the model soil. We confirmed the accuracy of the DEM analysis using the experiments. The analysis with the model dry sand could recreate the characteristic region of the soil under the shearing action, which depends on the track shoe spacing. The DEM also showed that the gross traction decreased with the increase in open spacing of the grousers. From the result of a 2D DEM analysis of a grouser for a prototype mesh crawler for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, we estimated a thrust coefficient of approximately 0.4 for a wider grouser pitch-to-height ratio of 4.0–7.75 because of the constant sinkage of the grouser, neglecting the role of the meshed belt.

中文翻译：

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使用 2D DEM 分析履带板之间的开放空间对轻型车辆履带板总牵引力的影响

摘要 本研究的目的是使用离散元方法 (DEM) 研究履带板之间的开放空间对总牵引力的影响。我们使用准二维履带板模型，在该模型中我们可以控制履带板之间的开口间距，以通过实验观察牵引性能。在人造沙上测量履带齿的总牵引力和下沉量。此外，我们将 2D DEM 分析应用于开放式履带板和模型土壤之间的相互作用。我们使用实验确认了 DEM 分析的准确性。用模型干砂进行分析可以重现剪切作用下土壤的特征区域，这取决于履带板间距。DEM 还显示总牵引力随着履带齿间距的增加而降低。