Computational Investigations on the Dynamics of Tires Rolling on Rough Roads

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Abstract Finite element methods are well established for the mechanical analysis of tires in industry. For stationary rolling contact analysis a relative kinematics description based on a mixed spatial–material description provides a suitable framework for efficient computations of quite detailed tire models. Despite these advantages, special effort is necessary for the reliable treatment of tractive rolling with friction, or even when inelastic material properties have to be considered. An additional challenge is the simulation of high-frequency response for comfort analysis, for example. This paper focuses mainly on the latter aspect, namely, the transient dynamics response with respect to rolling noise prediction. The theoretical basics have been outlined in prior publications; this presentation concentrates on a systematic analysis of the transient dynamic behavior of rolling tires based on a modal analysis first. Based on computed eigenvectors, a partial modal energy criterion is introduced to judge the influence of different assembly parts on the dynamics of rolling tires. The capability of the suggested approach will be outlined in a second part, where the transient dynamic response due to the excitation from different road surface textures and bridge connection constructions are discussed. The sensitivity of these computations with regard to the excitation mechanism will be shown, from which a much higher potential in road construction regarding traffic noise reduction is concluded. The presented results are the partial outcome of research project “Leiser Straßenverkehr 2,” funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) and organized by the Federal Highway Research Institute (BAST). This research was performed in close cooperation between tire manufacturers, road construction companies, and universities.