Rolling resistance of a wheel over a water covered surface

Abstract

The aim of this project was to carry out an experimental investigation on the rolling resistance experienced by a rolling tyred wheel on a flat surface with various thicknesses of a water layer on the surface, using various rolling speeds and various loads on the wheel. The wheel test apparatus incorporated: (1) An endless belt driven on to rollers by a motor using a system of pulleys to vary the speed. (2) A tyred wheel loaded on to the belt with various loads. (3) A pump injecting water through a nozzle to form various thicknesses of water layers on the belt. A special type of nozzle was designed. (4) The rolling resistance on the wheel was measured (at various loads, speeds and surface water thicknesses) by means of a spring balance. To keep the cost down the wheel test apparatus had to be small but at th.e same time not too small as to create measurement problems. The main conclusions were as follows: The rolling resistance increases if (1) the speed increases. (2) the wheel load increases. (3) the depth of water layer increases.