MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE AND HERTZIAN CONTACT ANALYSIS OF MECANUM-WHEELED UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLES: A FINITE ELEMENT APPROACH

Tiberiu GIURGIU, Ciprian CUSUTURĂ, Gabriel Flavius NOJA

Abstract


Within the framework of Industry 5.0 and the increasing autonomy of logistical systems, Mecanum-wheeled platforms represent a benchmark for omnidirectional mobility. As contemporary military operations progressively integrate autonomous technologies, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) equipped with Mecanum wheels provide enhanced manoeuvrability for tactical and indoor logistics. Given their expanding deployment in heavy-duty applications, a rigorous understanding of wheel–ground contact behaviour is essential. This study examines the Hertzian contact mechanics of Mecanum rollers through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) conducted in ANSYS Workbench. Stress distribution and deformation under elevated loads are assessed, elucidating their influence on structural integrity and odometric precision. The findings inform the design of robust, high-accuracy omnidirectional platforms for dual-use applications.

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References


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