{"title":"Development and evaluation of high-speed single-wheel test for lunar exploration rover","authors":"Keisuke Takehana , Kento Funabiki , Kosuke Okuni , Tsutomu Hamabe , Kenji Niwa , Katsuaki Tanaka , Kazuya Yoshida","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rovers have significantly contributed to lunar exploration in recent years; however, most of them operate at low speeds, resulting in prolonged exploration times. For future space exploration, it is crucial to develop rovers capable of high-speed traversal and to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between wheels and soil. We have developed a single-wheel testbed capable of operating at a speed of 5 m/s, which is substantially higher than the conventional unmanned rover’s typical speed of approximately 0.01 m/s. This apparatus allows for precise control of the wheel’s rotational and translational speeds and can actively manage the vertical load on the wheel. In this paper, we present controlled slip ratio experiments using this high-speed testbed. We measure the forces acting on the wheel, the sinkage, and evaluate the wheel’s performance in terms of its tractive capabilities. The experimental results indicate that the tractive performance decreases with an increase in the load on the wheel. Moreover, we discover that performance also declines as speed increases. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of wheel performance during high-speed traversal, which will be beneficial for the development of future high-speed exploration rovers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101057"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143943767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hybrid grey wolf optimizer-ANN for predicting wheel energy consumption in off-road vehicles and enhancing resource management","authors":"Behzad Golanbari , Aref Mardani , Morteza Valizadeh , Nashmil Farhadi","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study uses a hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) with the Gray Wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) to predict wheel energy consumption in off-road vehicles. The main objective is to improve resource management and reduce the energy consumed due to wheel-soil interaction. Experimental data were collected through a Bevameter device in a controlled environment. Key parameters such as penetration depth, penetration velocity, vertical load, plate size, and number of passes were considered as inputs to the neural network. The neural network was trained using two trial-and-error methods and the GWO algorithm, and its performance was evaluated using MSE and R<sup>2</sup> metrics. The results showed that the GWO method performed better than the trial-and-error method, with a lower MSE of 0.5123 and a higher coefficient of determination of 0.9812. Data analysis showed that increasing speed and vertical load led to increased energy consumption while increasing the number of passes due to soil compaction reduced the energy consumption. This study shows that a hybrid neural network with the GWO algorithm can effectively predict the energy consumption in the indentation of plates in the soil, which is a kind of representative of the wheel.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101067"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Modelling of soil-chisel tine interactions using the discrete element method","authors":"Nurettin Kayahan , Mehmet Bahadır , Kazım Çarman","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101068","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Optimization of operating parameters of soil tillage machines that require high energy in agricultural mechanization processes is of great importance in terms of reducing energy input and increasing efficiency. Discrete element method (DEM), one of the numerical simulation techniques, has been widely used in simulation studies on determining the operating parameters of soil tillage machines and their effects on the soil in recent years. In this study, DEM simulation was used to determine the effect of different chisel tine on the soil and the draft force. The results obtained from the experiments conducted in the soil bin were compared with the DEM simulation. As a result of the tests carried out at two different depths, the R, MSE and ε values determined to compare the draft forces obtained from the DEM simulation and the soil bin were found to be 0.99, 6853.59 and 10.43 for 20 cm working depth, and 0.993, 8401.974, 8.49 for 28 cm working depth, respectively. The values of R, MSE and ε determined for the deformation area were found as 0.997, 1375.1 and 7.04 for 20 cm working depth, and 0.975, 3196.75, 5.39 for 28 cm working depth, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101068"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhen Chen , Meng Zou , Jie Huang , Yuzhi Wang , Lianbin He
{"title":"Mechanical model building of bionic walking robot in motion with soft terrain","authors":"Zhen Chen , Meng Zou , Jie Huang , Yuzhi Wang , Lianbin He","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101059","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101059","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bionic walking robots exhibit excellent mobility on rigid terrain.</div><div>however, their trafficability on soft terrain remains a significant challenge affecting their overall performance. To address this issue, we firstly developed a kinematic model of a bionic walking robot to derive the motion parameters between the footpad and soft terrain. Subsequently, a footpad-terrain interaction model was established to analyze the forces acting on the robot during its movement on soft terrain. An exemplar robot leg was built and three footpads at various walking speed were experimentally tested using a versatile single-legged test bench, various stages of footpad-terrain interactions were recorded and vertical force F<sub>1</sub> and horizontal force F<sub>2</sub> were measured. The results confirmed that the model could predict the forces with an accuracy greater than 90 %. The minimal differences observed between the experimental and model values suggest that the mechanical model is reliable for force analysis. Therefore, the mechanical model developed in the study could be further determine the forces exerted on the footpads at and defined moments and sinkage, and a layout foundation to understand the stability of walking robots.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101059"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143898415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An insight into mobility power efficiency of an automated guided vehicle performing in the presence of a hinged trailer","authors":"S.M. Shafaei , H. Mousazadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101056","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101056","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This is the first research that it conceptually appraises new technical paradigm (mobility power efficiency) for automated guided vehicle (AGV) of tandem robotic transportation system. Pulling operations were conducted based on changes of operational parameters of the AGV speed, tire air pressure, and trailer load. Results of the operations for the mobility power efficiency (5.54–28.67 %) were compared to those of former technical paradigm (tractive power efficiency). Reliable data obtained from exponential model indicated that the AGV slippage values for the maximum mobility power efficiency were higher (averagely 3.1 times) than those of the maximum tractive power efficiency. As traction ability of the AGV in the pulling operations is more important than its mobility ability, the tractive power efficiency must be considered as main technical paradigm. The mobility power efficiency must be considered as main technical paradigm for free motion of the AGV without drawbar pull. Meanwhile, mobility power loss values indicated that 1.19–33.52 % of the AGV mobility power were wasted. These research results are advantageous for researchers, engineers, and supervisors concerned with the AGV not only operated in inside and outside robotic production lines of manufacturing sectors, but also employed in intelligent warehousing systems and wharf container terminals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101056"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143807667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Machine learning-based estimation of agricultural tyre sinkage: A streamlit web application","authors":"Rajesh Yadav, Hifjur Raheman","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101055","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101055","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the impact of wheel slip, drawbar pull, and soil strength on agricultural tyre sinkage under varying normal loads and inflation pressures. A controlled experiment was conducted with a 13.6–28 bias ply tyre using single wheel tester in a soil bin, measuring tyre sinkage, drawbar pull, and wheel slip across different conditions. Machine learning models, including Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Regression (SVR), were developed to predict tyre sinkage based on key variables, with hyperparameter tuning to optimize model performance. The SVR model outperformed the ANN model, with Coefficient of determination (R<sup>2</sup>) and Mean Squared Errors (MSE) as 0.997 and 0.8 for training; 0.981 and 4.3 mm for testing, respectively. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) were also significantly lower for SVR, with MAPE values of 2.58 % (training) and 6.94 % (testing). The optimized SVR model was integrated into a Streamlit web application, offering a user-friendly platform for real-time predictions of tyre sinkage. This application had significant potential for enhancing tractive efficiency and minimizing soil degradation in agricultural practices. The study highlighted the efficacy of machine learning techniques in modelling tyre sinkage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101055"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143725744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Igor Araujo Barbosa , Andre Luiz de Freitas Coelho , Daniel Marçal de Queiroz , Marconi Ribeiro Furtado Junior , Geice Paula Villibor
{"title":"Development of software for performance analysis of wheeled tractors","authors":"Igor Araujo Barbosa , Andre Luiz de Freitas Coelho , Daniel Marçal de Queiroz , Marconi Ribeiro Furtado Junior , Geice Paula Villibor","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101054","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the relationship between the parameters that influence the traction capacity and fuel consumption of tractors is important for optimizing the performance of these machines. Mathematical simulations can be implemented in computer programs as an alternative to conducting numerous experimental tests under laboratory and field conditions, thereby reducing analysis, development time, and costs. Therefore, this study developed and validated a software tool to evaluate the performance of wheeled tractors in terms of traction capacity and fuel consumption. Mathematical models and a graphical user interface were implemented using Python. Field tests were conducted using an agricultural tractor to validate the software. Subsequently, simulations were performed for the same scenarios tested in the field, and the results were compared using statistical tests. The analyzed variables agreed closely in the experimental and simulated results. For front- and rear-wheel slips, the average absolute error was less than 2.50-point percent. Among the variables analysed, the best adjustment condition between the simulated and experimental results was verified for the engine angular velocity. In this case, the coefficient of determination was 0.96. For fuel consumption, the average absolute error was less than 0.75 L h<sup>−1</sup>. The software successfully identified the operating conditions that optimized fuel efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101054"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143580008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tractive performance analysis of the SRTT with respect to the spin count and the ASTM F1805 parameters","authors":"Chaitanya Shekhar Sonalkar , Mohit Nitin Shenvi , Corina Sandu , Costin Untaroiu , Eric Pierce","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Snow is a complex material. Its mechanical properties are influenced by various factors such as ambient temperature, solar radiation, compaction, metamorphism, etc., making it complex to model and predict them. To date, only a few studies have focused on predicting the traction coefficient as a function of ambient temperature, snow temperature, and snow compaction (CTI Index). These parameters are measured in accordance with The ASTM F1805 standard, which is used to evaluate the straight-line tractive performance of tires on snow.</div><div>This study introduces an additional parameter: spin count and investigates its effect on tractive performance. It was observed for the 16-inch SRTT that the traction coefficient of the control tire decreased progressively as the season advanced. The study aims to determine whether a similar trend applies to a 14-inch SRTT and correlates the tractive performance of individual control tires with ASTM F1805 parameters using regression analysis. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the most accurate regression algorithm for predicting the tractive coefficient and ranks the most influential parameters through feature selection.</div><div>In summary, this research examines the influence of spin count on tire traction, aiming to improve prediction models and identify key parameters influencing performance on snow.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"119 ","pages":"Article 101046"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143463549","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of grain breakage on hydraulic conductivity in granular soils under one-dimensional compression","authors":"Faruk Sefi, Musaffa Ayşen Lav","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2025.101045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since hydraulic conductivity significantly influences the compression and deformation characteristics of granular terrains, this study examines the variations in permeability (<em>k<sub>20</sub></em>) of granular soils under one-dimensional compression. Two uniformly graded calcareous soil samples were tested: one with grain sizes of 9.50–12.70 mm, and another of 4.75–9.50 mm. Both samples were subjected to one-dimensional compression and constant-head permeability tests. Key soil properties affecting permeability (<em>k<sub>20</sub></em>), including absorption (<em>n</em>), specific surface area (<em>S<sub>s</sub></em>), relative density (<em>D<sub>r</sub></em>), void ratio (<em>e</em>), uniformity coefficient (<em>C<sub>u</sub></em>), effective grain size (<em>d<sub>10</sub></em>), and mean grain size (<em>d<sub>50</sub></em>), were analyzed. The virgin compression line (VCL) of the soil samples was identified within an oedometric stress (<em>σ<sub>VCL</sub></em>) range of 4.00–14.00 MPa, where the rate of change in soil properties affecting permeability was most pronounced. As oedometric stress increased, the instantaneous absorption (<em>n<sub>i</sub></em>) of the soil samples increased linearly, with a slope (<em>α<sub>n</sub></em>) of 0.055–0.061. Similarly, the instantaneous specific surface area (<em>S<sub>s,i</sub></em>) of the soil samples increased linearly, with a slope (<em>α<sub>s</sub></em>) of 1.229–1.388. In addition, practical equations were developed to predict the instantaneous relative density (<em>D<sub>r,i</sub></em>), instantaneous grain size distribution curve, and instantaneous permeability (<em>k<sub>20,i</sub></em>) of granular soils under one-dimensional compression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 101045"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143148051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Climbing loose surfaces with steep slopes using a small, lightweight push-rolling rover with minimal configuration","authors":"Daisuke Fujiwara , Qingze He , Kojiro Iizuka","doi":"10.1016/j.jterra.2024.101043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jterra.2024.101043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Owing to the payload limitations, some organizations are focusing on small, lightweight wheeled rovers for planetary exploration. Planetary and lunar surfaces feature weak soils and slopes that pose mobility challenges for wheeled rovers. Studies have shown that push–pull locomotion can improve climbing ability. Such rovers lock one pair of wheels relative to the ground while driving the other like an inchworm. Conventional rovers have large masses ranging from 10 to nearly 1,000 kg. However, some studies are now focusing on small rovers of masses from under 1 kg to 20 kg. For such rovers, traveling on granular surfaces with steep slopes and low slips remains an experimental challenge. This study develops a small, lightweight push-rolling rover and evaluates its ability to climb steep slopes. To meet size requirements, the rover uses a minimal configuration. Experiments to measure resistance and drawbar pull forces during push-rolling revealed that a lugged wheel and dynamic sinking behavior using an intentional slip increased the total thrust forces. Additionally, travel experiments showed that the developed rover, with its optimal configuration, demonstrated a high climbing ability on slopes greater than 30°.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50023,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Terramechanics","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 101043"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143148052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}