Temperature prediction of rolling tires by computer simulation

A numerical procedure has been applied for investigating the temperature distribution in a smooth tread bias tire of alight truck, operated under different speeds, pneumatic pressures, and loading conditions. Prior to simulation by the finite element analysis, two separate sets of testing, namely dynamic mechanical testing and material testing, have been conducted in relation to the evaluation of hysteresis (H) and total strain energy (U-sed), respectively. Hysteresis loss energy is given as (H x U-sed) and considered to relate directly to heat generation rate. Temperature rise is assumed to be due to the energy dissipation from periodic deformation. This dissipation of energy may be equated to be the primary heat generation source. Hysteresis energy loss is used as a bridge to link the strain energy density to the heat source in rolling tires; temperature distribution of rolling tires may be obtained by the steady-state thermal analysis. The above procedure has been shown to facilitate the simulation of the temperature distribution in the rolling tire. An efficient computational process is being introduced to decrease the time for coupled 3D dynamic rolling simulation of tire. Temperature rise under different conditions is discussed with reference to the results of other published studies. (C) 2004 IMACS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.