Three-dimensional finite element and analytical modelling of tyre–soil interaction

Abstract

Tyre–soil interaction models were developed for the investigation of tyre dynamic behaviours with two different approaches: finite element method and analytical method. In the finite element model the 3D tyre was modelled as a non-linear solid assembly consisting of tread block, belt and carcass layers, sidewall, beads and rim, and the soil modelled as a 3D object was attributed with the elasto-plastic mechanical behaviour. In the analytical model the contact between deformable tyre and soft soil is described by non-linear springs and dampers in the radial direction and shear stress-displacement model in the tangential direction. The equations accounting for the analytical model were integrated in the multi-body simulation software-ADAMS. Simulations with these two different tyre–soil interaction models were carried out to study the longitudinal slip-longitudinal force and slip angle-lateral force relationship.