Abstract

A finite element model is presented for analysis of axisymmetric static loadings of a bias ply pneumatic tire. The model can predict deformed shapes and the resulting cord forces in the tire. The tire is considered as a thin shell of revolution with membrane and bending stiffness. Its material properties are assumed to be linearly orthotropic. Large axisymmetric deformations studied with the proposed model gave very close approximations to the actual situation. The predicted cord forces matched the experimental values very closely.