Abstract: A model based on Timoshenko curved beam is established to study the radial stiffness of mechanical elastic wheel, and the finite element method and prototype test are used to verify the model. The wheel loads supported on the rigid hub hanging in the middle of wheel are analyzed. The stiffness characteristics are illustrated for wheel with different structures by means of the qualitative analysis. The value of radial stiffness is determined by the structural characteristics and properties of elastic wheel disk and hinge groups. Parametric analysis of elastic wheel disk stiffness, hinge groups materials and sizes, which would affect radial stiffness, is done using the nonlinear finite element model. The results indicate that, as the number, cross-sectional area and Young's modulus of hinge increase, the radial stiffness increases nonlinearly. When wheel stiffness is small and other design variables are unchanged, the stiffness variation of elastic wheel disk is approximately equal to the radial stiffness variation of the wheel.

Key words: mechanics, mechanical elastic wheel, curved beam model, radical stiffness characteristics