Simulation of Static Tyre–Pavement Interaction Using Two FE Models of Different Complexity

Tamás Király,Csaba Tóth,Péter Primusz

doi:10.3390/app12052388

Tamás Király, Csaba Tóth + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052388

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Abstract

The aim of this research study was to analyse the approaches for establishing a spatial model of a radial truck tyre, based on the finite element method, in order to perform a realistic analysis of static as well as dynamic tyre–pavement interactions. A complex rubber tyre model having a large number of elements was formulated combining current state-of-the-art modelling techniques and, from that model, a simplified model having a smaller number of elements was derived. The complex model proved to be useful only for static loading, because of its high computational demand, while the simplified model proved to be also suitable for dynamic modelling. The two tyre models having different numbers of elements were compared by analysing the contact areas and stresses. Our results indicate that the basic idea of not changing material characteristics while simplifying the model, rebuilding only the carcass using composite shell elements, did not prove to be a satisfactory direction. The results given by the simplified model do not describe the behaviour of the radial tyre well but, rather, describe the behaviour of the diagonal tyre, regarding contact areas and stresses. On the contrary, when analysing stresses and strains in the road pavement structure, the two finite element models provided similar results in practice. Based on our comparison calculations, applying the average contact pressure q at analysis points at a 5–8 cm depth, the contact behaviour of the finite element tyre model can be used in any elastic-layer theory-based software.

Highlights

Received: 31 January 2022The mechanical–empirical road pavement structure design systems consider the pavement structure as an elastic structure, applying the thin-layer theory or the elastic-layer theory [1].In any design procedure, knowledge of the loads on the pavement as well as the contact surface for loading is required
The establishment of a realistic spatial finite element model of a radial truck tyre based on manufacturer and literature data; The development of the spatial finite element simulation of tyre–pavement interactions; The calculation of contact areas and stresses using the complex finite element radial tyre model; The derivation of a simplified finite element tyre model based on the complex model, for the analysis of dynamic tyre–pavement interactions; A comparison between the contact behaviours of the complex and simplified finite element models using an example of a flexible road pavement structure; A recommendation for a simplified calculation method of the contact behaviour of finite element tyre models having different content and numbers of elements
In preparing the finite element simulation, considerable help was provided by the ABAQUS software manual [29], including many useful examples and pieces of information

Summary

Introduction

Knowledge of the loads on the pavement as well as the contact surface for loading is required. In the wake of pneumatic tyres, the main assumption was a circular contact area with an evenly distributed loading. This assumption has been adopted for a long time, providing simple calculations; a solution to the partial differential equations of elastic layers for this case only has been elaborated. Theoretical approaches have been later supplemented by experimental solutions of the problem; the contact area of rubber tyres was determined by moving wheels of different loads onto a painted film between paper sheets or by spraying sand around wheels. As a result of technological developments, solutions for the direct measurement of contact stresses have appeared, such as the “Vehicle–Road Surface Pressure Transducer Array” [2]

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