Abstract

A finite element kinetic model has been developed to interpret issues related to accelerated aging of tires. The model is based on the Basic Autoxidation Scheme and incorporates mass transport limitations related to diffusion of oxygen into the layered elastomer system. The effect of aging on transport properties, such as diffusivity, due to changes in crosslink density is also considered in the model. The extent of oxidation is calculated at different locations within the tire as a function of time, temperature, and inflation media. The extent of oxidation predicted by the model is compared to experimentally derived data such as oxygen content, crosslink density, elongation‐to‐break, and modulus variation.