Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Sept 2007

Finite Element Analysis of Nonuniformity of Tires with Imperfections5

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Page Range: 226 – 238
DOI: 10.2346/1.2768607
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Abstract

The effects of variations in stiffness and geometry on the nonuniformity of tires are investigated by using the finite element analysis. In order to evaluate tire uniformity, a three-dimensional finite element model of the tire with imperfections is developed. This paper considers how imperfections, such as variations in stiffness or geometry and run-out, contribute to detrimental effects on tire nonuniformity. It is found that the radial force variation of a tire with imperfections depends strongly on the geometrical variations of the tire.

Keywords: finite element analysis; tire uniformity; imperfection; radial force variation
Copyright: The Tire Society
FIG. 1.
FIG. 1.

Structure of automobile radial tire (detailed section view of tire).

FIG. 2.
FIG. 2.

Finite element modeling of 235/45R17 tire: (a) two-dimensional model and (b) three-dimensional model.

FIG. 3.
FIG. 3.

Finite element modeling with imperfection in tire stiffness.

FIG. 4.
FIG. 4.

Finite element modeling with imperfections in tire geometry: (a) an increase in geometry and (b) a decrease in geometry.

FIG. 5.
FIG. 5.

Finite element modeling with imperfections in tire stiffness and geometry: (a) overlap and an increase in geometry, (b) open and an increase in geometry, and (c) run-out effect.

FIG. 6.
FIG. 6.

Comparison of finite element analysis to experiments: (a) vertical spring rate test and (b) lateral spring rate test.

FIG. 7.
FIG. 7.

Contact pressure distribution: (a) experiment and (b) finite element analysis.

FIG. 8.
FIG. 8.

Radial force of the perfect tire.

FIG. 9.
FIG. 9.

Radial force variation with stiffness nonuniformity in carcass ply.

FIG. 10.
FIG. 10.

Radial force variation with stiffness nonuniformity in two belt plies.

FIG. 11.
FIG. 11.

Radial force variation with stiffness nonuniformity: (a) carcass ply and (b) two belt plies.

FIG. 12.
FIG. 12.

Radial force variation with geometric nonuniformity in tread.

FIG. 13.
FIG. 13.

Radial force variation with geometric nonuniformity in (a) carcass ply and (b) apex.

FIG. 14.
FIG. 14.

Radial force variation with stiffness and geometric nonuniformity in carcass ply.

FIG. 15.
FIG. 15.

The effect of run-out.

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