The effect of tyre and suspension dynamics on wheel spindle forces

This paper examines how changes in the tyre and suspension impact the dynam ic spindle force response of an automotive tyre rolling over an obstacle in the roadway. The investigation is conducted with a simple vehicle dynamics simulation coupled to a comprehensive 2D dynamic nonlinear finite tyre mod el. The tyre model uses an inextensible, circular membrane to approximate t he shape, and an empirical, nonlinear term to account for forces that resul t from the elastic deformation of the sidewall. Both the tyre structure and contact between the tyre and roadway are modelled with the finite element method. This approach allows the tyre model to reproduce the tyre response accurately during large deformations in a computationally efficient manner.