Nonlinear Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Steady Rolling Radial Tires

Abstract

A finite element tire model is developed in this study. In the model, the rubber compounds are simulated by incompressible elements which are treated based on the Lagrangian multipliers method. The nonlinear mechanical properties of elastomers are modeled by the Mooney-Rivlin model. The corresponding material constants of elastomers are obtained from experimental data. The belts, carcass and beads are modeled by an equivalent orthotropic material model in which the effective moduli are determined from the individual material properties of rubber compound and cord using the Halpin-Tsai equations. The contact constraint of a radial tire structure with flat foundation and rigid rim is treated using the variable constraint method. The friction term of the tire-foundation contact under a steady rolling tire is treated using the regularized Coulomb's law. For the large deformation description of tires, the Lagrangian method is used here. Some of numerical results are given in this paper.