Development of a Mode III fatigue test method and a peel test method for tire specimens

Crack growth plays an important role in the durability of tires, and it is necessary to evaluate the characteristics of crack growth and tearing energy accurately. Since a crack around the belt edge is subjected mainly to interlaminar shear deformation, a Mode III fatigue test method was developed. In addition, a peel test method was developed to assess the tearing energy. Based on the fatigue and peel test results, the effects of heat aging, temperature and belt stiffness were analyzed.