Development and validation of a three-dimensional ring-based structural tyre model

This paper presents a structural model for an unloaded tyre, based on a three-dimensional flexible ring on an elastic foundation. The ring represents the belt and the elastic foundation represents the tyre sidewall. The model is valid up to 300 Hz and includes a submodel of the wheel and the air cavity. This makes the model potentially suitable for the prediction of structure-borne interior noise. Unlike most ring models, which only consider in-plane modes, the presented model also predicts the modes that involve torsion of the belt in circumferential direction. The parameterization of the model, which does not require detailed knowledge of the tyre construction, is based on the main geometrical properties of the tyre and a limited modal test. Comparison between measured and calculated responses shows that the tyre-wheel model describes the dynamic behaviour with acceptable accuracy. Since the model is physical, it can be applied to describe other operational conditions such as loading and rotation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.