Nonlinear three-dimensional finite element analysis of contact problem of statically loaded tires

Abstract

This chapter presents a general and efficient 3D finite element (FE) model capable of analyzing and predicting the nonlinear response of statically loaded tires in contact with a rigid surface. The FEM is used to construct the discretized model of the problem. Both geometrical and material nonlinearities are accounted for. Lagrangian description with the composite material theories is adopted to model the nonlinear behavior of the tire structure. The mathematical programming (MP) technique is adopted to present a general model to analyze both frictionless and frictional tires contacts. With frictional contact, Coulomb's law of friction is modified to be applied nonlocally. This, logically, eliminates the difficulties that have been encountered with the direct application of the classical Coulomb's law. A typical radial tire is taken as a case study to which the model is applied. The defined tire shape, the contact patch, and both normal and tangential contact stresses are predicted in the chapter. The results demonstrate the efficient applicability of the developed model to analyze the nonlinear contact problem of the loaded tires.