ON THE MODELING OF TIRES FOR THE PREDICTION OF AUTOMOTIVE DURABILITY LOADS

This paper presents a new, efficient method for two-dimensional modeli ng of the forces that the tire exerts on the rim during large deformat ions. This approach uses an inextensible, circular membrane to approxi mate the shape, and a nonlinear term to account for forces that result from the elastic deformation of the sidewall. The elastic term is not directly related to the tire's physical parameters, and thus adds an empirical component to the model. However, this component may be deter mined easily from simple tests. Experimental and analytical correlatio ns are given demonstrating the improved cost/accuracy performance of t he new tire model. The comparisons encompass both low speed and high s peed tire contact with obstacles.