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2025 Vol.52, Issue 4 Preview Page

Engineering

Simulation of the power transmission durability for a 20 kW single motor driving electric tractor
Dong Wook Kim1
,
Ji Hun Yu1
,
Jong Dae Park2
,
Min Jong Park2*
,
Yong Joo Kim234*
1Department of Tractor R&D Center, LS Mtron, Wanju 55322, Korea
2Department of Smart Agriculture Systems, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
3Department of Smart Agriculture Systems Machinery Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
4Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Electric Tractor & Agricultural Machinery Institute, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
*Corresponding Author
1 December 2025. pp. 427-446
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Abstract

This study aimed to develop a simulation model and validate the durability of a 20-kW electric tractor power transmission. Power transmission consisted of a motor, transmission, axle and wheels. The transmission simulation model was developed using MASTA, a gear analysis software, and motor rotational speed, as well as wheel and power take-off (PTO) torque generated during agricultural work were applied as input parameters of the simulation model. The safety factors of the gears and bearing damage were analyzed. The power transmission durability test was conducted using a dynamometer. The input motor speed was adjusted by the input speed, and the load motor torque was adjusted by applied the load under test conditions. Zero-failure test times were 2,418 hours, whereas acceleration life testing (ALT) was approximately 160 hours using the dynamometer. The gear safety analysis results showed that the bending safety factor of the pinion in spiral bevel gear was 1.19 and the contact safety factor was also 1.12 which was the lowest among all gear pairs. The bearing safety analysis showed that the highest bearing damage rate was 58.69%, and the lowest safety factor of 1.30. Gear and bearing analysis results of the powertrain satisfied the target safety. However, spalling was found in one tooth of the differential pinion gear. The face width of the damaged spiral bevel gear was changed from 41 to 43, and the safety factor was analyzed. The bending and contact safety factors were 1.71 and 1.32, respectively, which were improved by approximately 44% and 18%. It is judged that power transmission would be applied to electric tractors.

Keywords
durability analysis
electric tractor
powertrain
safety factor
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Information
  • Publisher :Institute of Agricultural Science, Chungnam National University
  • Publisher(Ko) :충남대학교 농업과학연구소
  • Journal Title :Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
  • Journal Title(Ko) :농업과학연구
  • Volume : 52
  • No :4
  • Pages :427-446
  • Received Date : 2025-08-08
  • Revised Date : 2025-08-22
  • Accepted Date : 2025-09-01
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7744/kjoas.520404
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