Deflection characteristics for radial-ply tractor tyres

Abstract

The deflection characteristics of four radial-ply tyres (12.4 R 28, 13.6 R 28, 14.9 R 28 and 16.9 R 28) were studied on a hard surface. The normal load on the test tyres was varied from 4.91 to 19.13 kN and inflation pressure from 41 to 207 kPa. Based on the test observations, empirical model was developed to predict deflection of the radial-ply tyres. This model was validated and was found to perform well. The developed deflection model was used to determine the possible combinations of normal load and inflation pressure to achieve the desired deflection of 20, 24 and 28 per cent for each test tyre.