Finite Element Modelling of the Steady Rolling of a Radial Tyre with Detailed Tread Pattern.

The differences and reliabilities of numerical results obtained by tyre models with simple tread and detailed patterns of rubber blocks are studied. The patterned tyre model was generated by combination of two separately developed finite element models. The first model consisted of all tyre components except tread pattern by revolving the tyre cross-section about its symmetry axis. On the other hand, the geometries of the rubber blocks in tread pattern are separately created and discretized to generate finite element mesh of the tread part. These two tyre models were combined and a single 3D finite element model with tread pattern was generated. The incompatibility between the tread pattern mesh and the other parts was considered by using a meshtying algorithm. The results showed that if the main purpose of the tyre analysis is to study the global behaviour of the tyre such as determining the load-deflection curve or dynamic radius of the rolling tyre then, a finite element model with simply ribbed tread is sufficient. However, accurate computations of the stress and strain fields as well as contact pressure need a finite element model of the tyre with detailed tread pattern.