Numerical Simulation of Thermal Oxidation in Automotive Tires

Abstract

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 extent of oxidation is calculated at different locations within the tire as a function of time and temperature. Results for aging rates due to thermal oxidation predicted by the model are compared to experimentally derived data such as crosslink density, elongation-to-break and modulus variation. Comparative results for aging rates in different regions of the tire suggest that a reasonable accelerated oven testing temperature range is 60 °C to 70 °C. Additionally, initial results for predicted aging rates for a rolling tire are presenting indicating the thermal oxidation plays a large role in tire aging.