Abstract

A nonlinear axisymmetric formulation has been developed which allows circumferential as well as radial and lateral displacements. Significant circumferential displacements occur in radial tires under an inflation load both in the crown region and in the sidewall of the tire. The model is used in this study to assess the types of deformations that occur and the effect of construction variables on these deformations. The variables considered include belt angle, belt width, belt edge filler modulus, and chafer angle. The effect of changes in these variables on both in‐plane and circumferential deformations, as well as cord loads and interply shear strains are reported. Wherever possible the numerical results are compared with experimental measurements. Predicted deformations due to chafer orientations were sometimes unexpected, but were confirmed by experiment.