A computation model to predict the thermomechanical behavior of automobile tires

摘要

This paper describes a sequential approach to predict the thermomechanical behavior of automobile tires with smooth tread by using the MSC MARC Finite Element Program. The iterative computational model is based upon three main analysis modules: the deformation module, the dissipation module and the thermal module. For the deformation module, a full scale finite element model of a tire is established using rebar elements for the cord reinforced part and the Mooney-Rivlin material model for rubber. Taking the calculated stresses and strains from the deformation module as the input, an analytic approach for the calculation of the heat source resulting from internal dissipation in the rolling tire is established using the viscoelastic theory. The steady state temperature distribution in a rolling tire is obtained by using heat generation rate which is obtained from the dissipation module. Finally the deformation module calculates thermal stresses in the tire for a given temperature distribution. Several cases are considered and the results are compared with the existing data in literature which serve to confirm the validity of the model.