Finite element modelling of a pneumatic tyre interacting with rigid road and deformable terrain

Abstract

In this study the dynamic interaction between a pneumatic P235/75R17 tyre and a rigid and/or deformable surface is analysed using the finite element method. After a footprint analysis of the tyre, two models were developed: a) tyre rolling on rigid road with bumps; b) tyre rolling on a deformable terrain, appropriate for off-road vehicle handling. In the first model, a steady-state transport analysis is performed to obtain the free rolling conditions of the tyre, which are then used to simulate the impact of the tyre on a rigid bump, typical of a road cleat or speedbump. In the second model, the transient rolling response of the tyre on a soft cohesive soil layer was simulated under towed and driven conditions. It is shown that the dynamic response of the rolling tyre with off-road terrains is inherently complex and depends on significantly different parameters from that of the on-road tyres.