Dynamics of a Wheel with a Deformable Periphery

We consider a model of a wheel consisting of a disc and a continuous set of rods joined to the disc. The rods are replaced by a continuous set of masses at free ends, joined by springs and dampers (the longitudinal and transverse stiffness of the tread rods) to the wheel disc. The viscous friction acts at the contact points of the rods with the road. The equations of motion of the wheel in the vertical plane are obtained, taking into account the impact phenomena at the boundary points of the contact area. The shape of the deformed periphery, the contact area, the frequencies of rods vibrations in steady-state regime are found. The value of external forces power required to existence of a steady-state regime is determined when wheel translational motion speed and its angular velocity are constant. The wheel vibrations in the vertical plane about the equilibrium position of the loaded wheel are also studied.