Abstract

The finite element method is used to simulate the slow (quasi‐static) rolling of a radial truck tire subjected to ground plane tractions. Three conditions are considered, namely, (1) straight free rolling, (2) cornering, and (3) braking. Lateral and longitudinal slip are calculated by analyzing the motion of a moveable road surface relative to the wheel plane. Footprint moments are calculated for the cornering and braking condition. In addition, cornering stiffness, braking stiffness, and aligning stiffness are calculated and compared to measured results. Computational benchmark data is provided. The simulation was performed with the ABAQUS finite element program.

Abstract

The two‐dimensional contact pressure distribution of a running radial tire under load is a fundamental property of the tire structure. The two‐dimensional contact pressure distribution in the static case and the one‐dimensional contact pressure distribution in the dynamic case were previously analyzed for a spring bedded ring model consisting of a composite belt ring and a spring system for the sidewall and the tread rubber.

In this paper, a Voigt‐type viscoelastic spring system is assumed for the sidewall and the tread rubber. We analyzed the dynamic deformation of the belt ring in a steady state, and obtained the two‐dimensional dynamic contact pressure distribution at speeds up to approximately 60 km/h. The predicted contact pressure distribution for a model with appropriate values for the damping coefficient of each constituent rubber is shown to be in good agreement with experimental results.

It is a characteristic feature that increasing velocity yields an increase in the pressure at the leading edge of the crown centerline in the contact area and at the trailing edge of the shoulder line.

Abstract

This paper investigates the cord‐matrix load transfer problem in twisted cord‐rubber composites. The central feature of the study is to ascertain the polarizing effects of twist‐induced coupling of the axial loads and torque. Particular emphasis is given to the end problem, namely the transition between the axial‐circumferential shear stress‐dominated end region and the axial normal stress and torque‐controlled far‐from‐end zone. This is achieved through the development of both a closed form analytic formulation and its corroboration by a detailed finite element simulation.

Abstract

A three‐dimensional (3D) beam finite element model was developed to investigate the torsional stiffness of a twisted steel‐reinforced cord‐rubber belt structure. The present 3D beam element takes into account the coupled extension, bending, and twisting deformations characteristic of the complex behavior of cord‐rubber composite structures. The extension‐twisting coupling due to the twisted nature of the cords was also considered in the finite element model. The results of torsional stiffness obtained from the finite element analysis for twisted cords and the two‐ply steel cord‐rubber belt structure are compared to the experimental data and other alternate solutions available in the literature. The effects of cord orientation, anisotropy, and rubber core surrounding the twisted cords on the torsional stiffness properties are presented and discussed.

Abstract

An experimental stress‐strain analysis by means of the Moiré method was conducted in the area of the tread and belt regions of tire sections. A special loading fixture was designed to support the tire section and load it in a manner simulating service loading and allowing for Moiré measurements. The specimen was loaded by imposing a uniform fixed deflection on the tread surface and increasing the internal pressure in steps. Moiré fringe patterns were recorded and analyzed to obtain strain components at various locations of interest. Maximum strains in the range of 1–7% were determined for an effective inflation pressure of 690 kPa (100 psi). These results were in substantial agreement with results obtained by a finite element stress analysis.