Belt Layer Effects on Non-pneumatic Tire Performance by Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

One of the most advantageous tires recently receives attention for development is the non-pneumatic tire (NPT). It is developed for dangerous applications as construction vehicles because of its strength and durability. Two main composite parts consist of the shear band and spoke structure are important for the NPT. In this research, the shear band of TWEEL NPT which was not investigated by any previous research was carefully carried out the investigation. The steel belt layers were inserted into the shear band were very attractive for the composite material analysis. The three-dimensional model of NPT accorded to the authentic NPT geometries was analyzed by the finite element method. The visco-hyperelastic constitutive model obtained from the mechanical properties testing of authentic tire components was used to describe the deformation behavior of the NPT model. The number and position of belt layers were varied to investigate the static performance of NPT and vertical stiffness. There was found that the nearest tread layer provided the greatest effects on vertical stiffness and contact area. Furthermore, the middle layer has insignificant effects on the NPT performances. The analysis results will be useful for the design and optimization of NPT performance in the future.