Radial Truck Tire Inflation Analysis: Theory and Experiment

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Abstract
The finite element method is a useful tool in the design process to give deformations, strains and stresses in tires when they are loaded. To show this, a geometrically nonlinear, materially homogeneous, and generally orthotropic finite element model is described and used in the inflation analysis of radial truck tires. The element, a linear strain axisymmetric triangle, has three displacement degrees of freedom at each node in order to correctly model the three-dimensional states of strain and stress present in generally orthotropic structures. Two radial truck tires, a tube-type 10.00R20 and a tubeless 11R22.5, are analyzed both experimentally and analytically for inflation loading. Experimentally, cord forces are measured by cord force transducers, belt edge interply shear strain is measured by a pin rotation technique, sidewall growth is measured by a laser profilometer, and sidewall strains are measured with liquid metal strain gages. These values are compared with those predicted by the finite element model. The model works well for the tube-type 10.00R20 tire and above the mid-sidewall of the tubeless 11R22.5 tire. Further work needs to be done on the lower sidewall and bead area portions of the 11R22.5 tire model. The finite element model and solution procedure for the 11R22.5 radial truck tire is used for trend predictions. Several tire construction features, belt bias angle, belt end count, body ply end count, and bell skim stock modulus are varied, and their effect on inflation growth, strains and cord forces are predicted. The largest effect on inflation behavior was variation of the belt bias angle. The other features had minor effects. These predicted trends are important in giving the design engineer direction in creating new tire types or modifying current designs.

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