Nonlinear finite element modelling and incremental analysis of a truck tyre

Abstract

A non-linear finite element (FE) model of a radial truck tyre is developed to analyse the tensile stress distributions, deformation fields and inter-ply shear stresses as a function of the normal load. The tyre model is established based on consideration of the geometry and orientation of the cords in belts and carcass layers, the stacking sequence of different layers and the large deformation of the multiple layers in order to predict the interactions between the plies. The study incorporates the nearly incompressible property of the tread rubber block and anisotropic material properties of the layers. A non-linear incremental analysis of the rubber element is performed using the modified Mooney-Rivlin material model. The non-linear FE tyre model is analysed using commercial software, the ANSYS® program in order to determine the deformation fields, contact patch geometry, contact pressure distribution, principal stress fields, distributions of fibre stresses and inter-ply shear stresses. The influence of normal load and thus the tyre deflection on the above response parameters are discussed. The computed footprint geometry is qualitatively compared in a limited sense with the measured data to examine the validity of the model. It is concluded that the proposed model can provide reliable predictions about the three-dimensional stress, strain and deformation fields in an inflated radial truck tyre based on the known tyre material properties and structural features for given internal air pressures and normal loading conditions.