Numerical Modeling in Tire Mechanics

The contribution has its focus on several aspects of the description of tire features through finite element modeling. It is starting with the formulation of rubber material properties. Material characteristics, which have to be taken into account depending on the focus of analysis, are introduced. Geometrical nonlinearities, i.e. large strain, nonlinear elasticity, softening, inelastic and dissipative features are of importance and influence certain tire properties. An important simulation feature is the steady state rolling framework. In this case, the finite element discretization is fixed in space and the material is considered as flowing through the mesh. This approach is computationally very efficient and represents the real loading conditions of the tire. During the design process, various structural aspects need to be investigated in order to obtain an optimal product. Tire mechanical properties which are in the reach of current computing facilities are shown.

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