Analysis of Tire-Pavement Contact Morphology Characteristics during the Virtual Track Train Maneuvering

Abstract

The tire-pavement contact morphology during the virtual track train maneuvering has an essential function in assessing vehicle performance and pavement damage. The longitudinal tread tire and viscoelastic asphalt pavement were developed based on the finite element method. Then, the tire-pavement contact model was developed according to the Euler–Lagrange algorithm and validated. Contact area and stress distribution under uniform, braking, and cornering conditions are explored with the dynamic tire force of the virtual track train as the external load. Also, the effect factors were analyzed. The results indicate that vertical stress distribution is symmetrical along the length and width directions, and contact area is rectangular under uniform condition. Vertical and longitudinal stresses have similar distributions under braking condition, with a wide front and a narrow back along the length direction. Under cornering condition, the closer to the inside of the cornering, the larger the contact area. Vertical stress is similar to the lateral stress distribution, and the larger stress value is concentrated on the inner side of each tread. Load, tire pressure, slip rate, and slip angle have significant effects on contact morphology, while velocity has little effect. Contact area increases with the increase of load and slip rate and decreases with the increase of tire pressure and slip angle. Vertical stress increases gradually with the increase of load. Higher tire pressure makes stress distribution more concentrated. The increase in slip rate increases vertical and longitudinal stresses and gradually moves in the running direction. Vertical and lateral stresses increase with the slip angle and are mainly distributed on the inside of the turn. This research can be used to evaluate and analyze the response and damage of the virtual track train to asphalt pavement under uniform, braking, and cornering conditions. It can be used as a reference for the design and paving of asphalt pavement.