Grant: Alliance Grants

Camso designs and manufactures rubber track drive systems for all kinds of off-road vehicles, including agricultural tractors. In agriculture specifically, rubber tracks, compared to traditional inflated tires, reduce soil compaction and damage while greatly increasing available traction for the tractor. Simulation tools, which have completely transformed design engineering in many industries, remain of very limited utility for the design of off-road track systems due to the interaction of multiple parts and mechanisms with complex materials (rubbers, soil). This project proposes multiple approaches to develop new computer-aided engineering (CAE) methods for dynamic simulation and system design of agricultural machinery. First, the experimental validation of a multi-body dynamics (MBD) model will be extended in order to fully reflect the full range of tractor operating conditions, from the softest soil to paved roads, as well as to add the prediction of track heating and energy usage. This powerful model will be used as the basis for a system design tool using the multi-discipline design optimization method, which has demonstrated a high effectiveness in other domains such as aerospace. Furthermore, a prototype active track tensioning system, that can improve the dynamic behaviour of tracks by adapting to conditions in real time, will be validated experimentally on a tractor. A separate modelling approach, based on data first rather than physical models, will be used to develop smart vehicle monitoring systems, as found in modern cars, that can inform operators of upcoming maintenance and potential mechanical problems affecting the track system. Finally, all improvements will be consolidated in a technological demonstrator in order to validate and quantify improvements to Camso products. These new design tools are required for the development of next-generation, truly innovative, track systems with improved performance and lower total cost of ownership. Such products will contribute to consolidating Camso's position as an industry leader in this domain and will provide the Canadian agricultural industry with equipment that will both provide a higher efficiency and that will protect its soils to ensure future productivity.