Investigation of stress-distribution in a car tyre with regards to rolling resistance

Paper in proceeding, 2010

In recent years the method of waveguide finite element modelling has emerged as a suitable tool for the simulation of the structural behaviour of tyres. It combines cross-sectional finite element modelling with classical wave propagation methods along the waveguide. Compared to traditional finite element methods it is numerically much more efficient and provides greater physical insights into the vibrational behaviour. In an ongoing project an existing waveguide finite element model for the calculation of stationary (non-rolling) tyre vibrations is extended to allow for calculation of the stress distributions inside a rolling tyre being in contact with the ground. The results are used to identify local areas of high stress, which are not only important from a structural point of view but which can also be associated with high energy losses due to dissipation, hence affecting the overall rolling resistance of the tyre. The procedure and preliminary results will be presented.