Computer simulation of hyper elastic re-treaded tire rubber with ABAQUS

Abstract

Tire re-treading is a re-manufacturing process to tread on casing tires. The performance of the re-treaded tire is studied with qualitative and quantitative research process. Since re-treaded tire rubber reveals some special properties like hyper elasticity, it is a very challenging task to simulate the actual performance of the retreaded tire rubber. In this paper, the simulation of hyper elastic property of re-treaded tire rubber is successfully completed with the help of finite element (FEM). Material specimens are taken from belt edge area of the retreaded truck tire. To evaluate the coefficient of hyper elastic strain energy function, uniaxial and planar tension test are conducted. The measured outcomes are compared and only stable model are selected. Yeoh and Arruda-Boyce models were stable. A case study of different size specimen and at different strain are performed where rubber specimen is taken from same belt edge area. The graphs are plotted from the .odb file between stress and deformation of retreaded tire rubber. The same graphs are validated with the lab tested readings. To explore the relation between stress and specimen deformation, a progressive simulation model has been developed. Statistical methods are used to validate the research question; Does hyper elasticity of retreaded tire impact its behavioral quality? Regression analysis is conducted to find out the correlations between stress and deformation of rubber specimen. The value of coefficient of determination (R2) is very close to (1) so it is proved that there is correlation between them. Results obtained are promising to predict the behavior of re-treaded tire rubber. The findings can be used to improve the product and its utility in small tire re-treaders, customers and policymakers.