Abstract
In order to clarify the contradictory mechanism between tire rolling resistance and grip performance, ten (10) 205/55 R16 radial tires with different tread patterns were selected as the research objects. Using VIC-3D non-contact strain measurement system, the pattern deformation in the contact area under vertical load was tested and the relevant deformation parameters of the contact area were extracted. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between the identified deformation parameters and tire performance indicators. Then the contradiction mechanism between tire rolling resistance and grip performance was identified. The mechanism is such that, in order to improve the grip performance of the tire, it is necessary to reduce the transverse tensile strain of the tread in the contact area and increase the longitudinal tensile strain of the tread, but with the increase of the longitudinal tensile strain, the rolling resistance of the tire will also increase, which leads to the contradiction between tire rolling resistance and grip performance. In order to better understand and solve this contradiction, a finite element model of 205/55R16 tire with complex pattern was established. The influence of the number and width of transverse grooves in outer shoulder area on tire rolling resistance and grip performance was analyzed by numerical simulation, where it was identified that, the longitudinal tensile deformation of the tread is the main cause of contradiction between the two performances. An optimized design of concave transverse groove with narrow groove in the middle and wide groove at both ends was proposed in the outer shoulder area to resolve the contradiction. Compared with the original scheme, the rolling resistance of the optimized scheme was reduced by 2.112 N, and the grip force saw an increase of 10.196 N, and thus delivering a cooperative improvement of tire rolling resistance and grip performance.
Highlights
Tire is one of the key factors affecting the safety and fuel consumption of the automobile
As a part contacting with the road, the deformation of tread pattern has an important effect on tire rolling resistance and grip performance
The results show that, with more transverse grooves in the outer tire shoulder, the longitudinal tensile strain value and its deformation area increased significantly, which contributes to the improvement of the grip performance and increases the rolling resistance
Summary
Tire is one of the key factors affecting the safety and fuel consumption of the automobile. Comparing the main strain distribution of the outer and inner shoulder of No 1 test tire, it can be seen, with a closed groove, the main strain of the transverse tensile deformation area increases. In the outer tire shoulder area, the relationship between the tread deformation and tire rolling resistance, grip performance can be embodied that: The braking distance shows a significant negative correlation with the vertical (X direction) tensile strain of the outer shoulder area, and a significantly positive relation with the horizontal (Y direction) tensile strain. Based on the above analysis, it can be seen, the longitudinal tensile strain in the outer tire shoulder leads to the contradictory relationship between the rolling resistance and grip performance to a certain extent. According to the correlation analysis above, the longitudinal tensile deformation of the tread in contact area
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