Abstract

The deformation behavior of a tire in contact with the roadway is complicated, in particular, under the traction and braking conditions. A tread rubber block in contact with the road undergoes compression and shearing forces. These forces may cause the loss of contact at the edges of the block.

Theoretical analysis based on the energy method is presented on the contact deformation of a tread rubber block subjected to compressive and shearing forces. Experimental work and numerical calculation by means of the finite element method are conducted to verify the predicted results. Good agreement is obtained among these analytical, numerical, and experimental results.